Tropea Onion Fritters

Tropea onion fritters are a simple and tasty dish, typical of Calabrian tradition, where the sweetness of Tropea red onions pairs perfectly with the crispiness of frying. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 300 g of Tropea red onions
• 150 g of wheat flour (00 or whole wheat if you prefer)
• about 100 ml of sparkling water
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste (optional)
• Extra virgin olive oil (or other oil for frying)

Preparation

1. Start by thinly slicing the Tropea onions.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt (and pepper if you like).
3. Gradually add the sparkling water to the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, until you get a batter that is neither too thick nor too liquid.
4. Dip the sliced onions in the batter and mix well to ensure they are all evenly coated.
5. Heat plenty of oil in a pan and, when it has reached the right temperature (you can test it with a piece of onion; if it starts frying immediately, it’s ready), take portions of the batter-soaked onions with a fork or spoon and gently place them in the boiling oil.
6. Fry the fritters until golden on both sides, then lift them with a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to remove excess oil.
7. Serve the onion fritters hot and crispy.

Trivia

Tropea onions are famous for their sweet and delicate flavor, so much so that they are recognized as an IGP product (Protected Geographical Indication). They represent a versatile ingredient in cooking and are particularly appreciated for the preparation of fresh and light dishes, as well as delicate fritters like these.

Enjoy this tasty Calabrian appetizer!