Brasileiro Fried Bites

Ingredients

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

Method

1. Begin by preparing your vegetables. Choose a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, ensuring they are fresh and firm. Wash them thoroughly, then cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 2 cm each, to ensure even cooking. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture, which helps the batter adhere better.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 100 g of flour with a pinch of fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Gradually add water, stirring continuously, until you achieve a smooth batter with a consistency similar to pancake batter. This will coat the vegetables evenly, creating a crispy exterior when fried.
3. Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep frying pan or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 5 cm deep to allow the bites to float and cook evenly. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the surface immediately.
4. Once the oil is hot, dip each vegetable piece into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy bites. Cook the vegetables until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
5. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried bites from the oil, allowing excess oil to drain back into the pan. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining vegetables, ensuring the oil remains at a consistent temperature.
6. Once all the vegetables are fried, season them immediately with a sprinkle of fine sea salt while they are still hot. This helps the salt adhere to the surface and enhances the flavor. Cut a lemon into wedges and serve alongside the fried bites for a fresh, tangy contrast. Enjoy your Brasileiro Fried Bites while they are warm and crispy.