Saint Lucian Breadfruit Balls
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these savory breadfruit balls are a popular snack or appetizer in Saint Lucia. Made from mashed breadfruit mixed with aromatic seasonings and fried to golden perfection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 medium Breadfruit(peeled, cored, and cut into chunks)
- 1 small Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 stalk Celery(finely chopped)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs(plus more for coating)
- 1 large Egg(beaten)
- 0.25 cup Grated cheese(e.g., cheddar or Parmesan)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Boil the breadfruit chunks in salted water until very tender, about 20-25 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let cool slightly.
- 2
Mash the cooled breadfruit until smooth. You can use a potato masher, fork, or food processor.
- 3
Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped celery, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated cheese, salt, and pepper to the mashed breadfruit. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- 4
Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- 5
Place extra breadcrumbs on a plate. Roll each breadfruit ball in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- 6
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- 7
Carefully drop the breadfruit balls into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- 8
Remove the fried balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- 9
Serve hot as a snack or appetizer.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the breadfruit is well-drained to prevent the balls from becoming soggy.
- ✓If the mixture is too wet to shape, add a little more breadcrumbs.
- ✓For a healthier option, these can be baked at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown, though they will have a different texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced hot pepper for a bit of heat.
- Incorporate shredded saltfish into the mixture for a savory twist.