Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritters! They’re one of my absolute favorite dishes to whip up when I’m in the mood for something crispy, savory, and packed with flavor. The combination of fresh spinach and hearty black-eyed peas is just magical! I love how the spinach adds a vibrant green color and a hint of earthiness, while the black-eyed peas bring that lovely creaminess to every bite. Plus, these fritters are super easy to make and are perfect for a quick snack or a delightful appetizer. Trust me, once you try these little bites of goodness, you’ll be hooked! They’re not just delicious; they’re also a fun way to sneak in some veggies. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup black-eyed peas, cooked and drained
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
- Oil for frying (about 1 cup, or enough to cover the bottom of your frying pan)
How to Prepare Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritters
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! Making these Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritters is super straightforward, but I promise they’ll impress everyone with their flavor. First things first, you want to get a nice big mixing bowl. In that bowl, combine your chopped spinach, cooked black-eyed peas, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and all those spices. Give it a good mix until everything’s coated in flavor.
Next, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and cornmeal. This is where the magic happens! Mix it all together until it’s nice and combined. You might need to add a bit of water—just enough to get a thick batter that holds together but isn’t runny. Once that’s done, heat up your oil in a frying pan over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking—careful, it splatters! Now, you’re ready to drop spoonfuls of that beautiful batter into the oil and fry until they’re golden brown on both sides. It usually takes about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, drain them on paper towels and voilà—crispy fritters ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the all-purpose flour and cornmeal, mixing until well combined.
- Gradually stir in water until you achieve a thick batter consistency.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat—test with a small drop of batter to see if it sizzles.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove fritters from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Packed with flavor and nutrients from spinach and black-eyed peas.
- Beautifully crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Versatile as an appetizer, snack, or even a light meal.
- Completely vegan, making it a great choice for plant-based eating.
- Customizable with your favorite spices or dipping sauces.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritters turn out perfectly, here are a few tips I swear by! First, don’t skip the draining step for your black-eyed peas—they can add unwanted moisture if they’re too wet. You want that batter to be thick and hearty! Also, feel free to adjust the spices to your taste; if you love a bit more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne! When frying, keep an eye on the oil temperature; if it’s too hot, the fritters will burn. Lastly, serve them fresh for that ultimate crispy texture—trust me, it makes all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritter contains about 120 calories, 5g of fat, 4g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Enjoy these delicious bites while keeping an eye on your nutritional goals!
FAQ Section
Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake these Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritters. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the fritters on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I serve with these fritters?
These fritters are fantastic on their own, but I love serving them with a tangy dipping sauce like tahini or a spicy salsa. They also pair beautifully with a fresh salad!
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach well, squeezing out any excess moisture before mixing it in.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot pan for that crispy texture again.
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re all set for a tasty gluten-free treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritters is easy! Simply place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium heat. This helps restore that lovely crispiness! Just heat them for a few minutes on each side until they’re warmed through. You can also use an oven—set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes. Either way, you’ll have delicious fritters ready to go!
Print
Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritters: 7 Crispy Joys to Savor
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Crispy fritters made with spinach and black-eyed peas.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup black-eyed peas, cooked
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix spinach, black-eyed peas, onion, garlic, and spices.
- Add flour and cornmeal; mix well.
- Gradually add water to form a thick batter.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
- Fry until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Spinach Black-Eyed Peas Fritters