St. Kitts Conch Fritters
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these conch fritters are a popular appetizer or snack, featuring the sweet and slightly chewy texture of fresh conch mixed with aromatic seasonings.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Conch meat(cleaned and finely chopped)
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 0.5 medium Bell pepper(finely chopped (any color))
- 0.25 tsp Scotch bonnet pepper(finely minced (or to taste, optional))
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped)
- 1 large Egg(beaten)
- 0.5 cup Milk(or water, as needed)
- Vegetable oil(for frying)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped conch meat, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- 2
Add the finely chopped onion, bell pepper, scotch bonnet pepper (if using), minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the bowl. Mix well to distribute the vegetables and seasonings evenly.
- 3
In a separate small bowl, whisk the egg. Add the beaten egg and about half of the milk (or water) to the conch mixture. Stir to combine. Add more milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, until a thick batter forms that holds its shape but is not too stiff.
- 4
Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C).
- 5
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- 6
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fritters from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
- 7
Serve hot, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as a spicy aioli or a sweet chili sauce.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the conch meat is very finely chopped or even pulsed in a food processor for a smoother batter.
- ✓Do not make the batter too thin, or the fritters will spread too much in the oil.
- ✓Maintain a consistent oil temperature for even cooking and to prevent the fritters from becoming greasy.
- ✓If you can't find scotch bonnet peppers, a small amount of habanero or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can be used for heat.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of cornmeal to the dry ingredients for extra crispiness.
- Incorporate finely chopped scallions into the batter.
- Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.