American Fried Bites

Ingredients

• 400 gvegetables — sliced
• 100 gflour
• for fryingoil
• lemon — to serve
• to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

1. Start by preparing your vegetables. Choose a mix of vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions for a variety of flavors and textures. Wash them thoroughly, then pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniformity for even cooking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 100 g of flour with a pinch of fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. This seasoned flour will add a subtle flavor to the vegetables and help create a crispy coating. Toss the vegetable pieces in the flour mixture until they are evenly coated, shaking off any excess flour.
3. Choose a large, deep skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot for frying. Pour in enough oil for frying, about 2 inches deep, and heat over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of bread dropped in sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds.
4. Carefully add the floured vegetables to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bites. Fry the vegetables, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried vegetables to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Once all the vegetables are fried, sprinkle them with a little more fine sea salt while they are still hot. This helps the salt adhere better and enhances the flavor. Cut a lemon into wedges and serve alongside the fried bites for a fresh, tangy contrast. Enjoy immediately while the bites are hot and crispy.