RecipesZambiaPumpkin Fritters (Pampan)

Pumpkin Fritters (Pampan)

Sweet and slightly savory fritters made from mashed pumpkin, flour, and spices, deep-fried to a golden brown. A popular snack or dessert.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings6
DifficultyMedium
Pumpkin Fritters (Pampan) - Zambia traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cooked mashed pumpkin(well drained)
  • 1 cup Self-raising flour(or 1 cup flour + 1 tsp baking powder)
  • 1 Egg(beaten)
  • 0.5 tsp Vanilla essence(optional)
  • 2 tsps Baking powder
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Brown sugar
  • Oil for frying(vegetable or canola)
  • Caster sugar or brown sugar(for dusting (optional))
  • Cinnamon(for dusting (optional))

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    In a bowl, combine the well-drained mashed pumpkin, beaten egg, and vanilla essence (if using). Mix well.

  2. 2

    Add the self-raising flour (or flour and baking powder), additional baking powder, salt, and brown sugar to the pumpkin mixture. Mix until a soft but firm consistency is achieved. The batter should be thick enough to hold its shape.

  3. 3

    Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches about 170-180°C (338-356°F). Test the oil by dropping a small spoonful of batter; it should sizzle and float.

  4. 4

    Carefully drop rounded spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

  5. 5

    Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

  6. 6

    If desired, dust the warm fritters with caster sugar or brown sugar and cinnamon before serving.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Ensure the mashed pumpkin is well-drained to avoid a runny batter.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying; fry in batches.
  • The oil temperature is crucial for evenly cooked fritters.

🔄 Variations

  • Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for extra flavor.
  • Serve with a caramel sauce or honey.
  • For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar.

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