Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Gather all your ingredients. This is the time to measure everything out so you can move quickly once you begin cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk them together to eliminate any clumps, and get the baking powder evenly distributed.
Step 3: Add the Corn
- If you’re using fresh corn, you’ll need to cut it off the cob. If frozen, let it defrost slightly. Add the corn kernels to the bowl with the dry ingredients and mix well. This ensures that the corn is nicely coated with flour, which will help in binding the fritters.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined. If you’re adding Parmesan cheese, now is a good time to toss that in too!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as we want to keep that light texture in our fritters.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
- In a large skillet, heat about ¼ inch of vegetable oil over medium heat. You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small amount of batter in – it should sizzle right away.
Step 7: Fry the Fritters
- Using a tablespoon, drop the batter into the hot oil. Fry a few fritters at a time, depending on how big your skillet is. Cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 8: Drain and Serve
- Once cooked, remove the fritters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve immediately while they are warm, garnished with chopped scallions and a side of sour cream or aioli.
Notes
- Check the Oil Temperature: It's crucial to have your oil at the right temperature. If it’s too hot, the fritters will burn on the outside and remain raw inside. Conversely, if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.
- Don’t Over-Mix the Batter: A light hand is crucial. Over-mixing can lead to dense fritters, which isn’t the goal here.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, use fresh corn in season. The sweetness is unparalleled and will elevate your fritters.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a big batch, keep the fritters warm in an oven set to low while you finish frying the rest.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add other herbs or spices. Chopped cilantro or diced jalapeños can add a fun twist!
