If you are familiar with Southern cooking, you know that corn fritters are a popular snack made with a batter of flour or cornmeal, corn, eggs and milk. If you are not familiar with Southern cooking, and did not know what corn fritters are, now you do. You’re welcome.
The corn fritter originates in Native American culture. Native Americans used corn as a staple food for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the new world.
The Europeans learned from them, making their own corn dishes. However, fritters would not become ‘a thing’ until many years later when frying became a popular method for food preparation.
It’s likely that the first corn fritter, as we know it, was invented in the Southern United States.
Now that we know a bit about the history of corn fritters, let’s look at some ways we can enjoy these treats in the comfort of our own home.
Corn Fritter Recipe
There are many variations on the corn fritter recipe, but the one we provide here is both basic and delicious.
We use corn, flour and eggs as a base. Salt and pepper are added to taste.
The mixture is then fried in oil and it is ready to serve.
If you want to get adventurous with your corn fritter recipes, here are some variations you can try:
Coriander and Lemon Corn Fritters: This combination of eggs, unsweetened sweet corn, salt, pepper, lemon zest, coriander, and pumpkin seeds offers a twist that is simply delicious.
Shredded Vegetable Fritters: Why stick to just corn when so many vegetables can be added to your fritters? This recipe includes carrots, zucchini, sweet potato, basil, lemon zest, flour, eggs, and, of course, corn!
Sweet Potato Fritters: These fritters are made of three parts sweet potato and two parts courgette (a zucchini-like summer squash). Flour and eggs make up the base and Chipotle seasoning gives the dish an added kick.
Gluten Free Corn Fritters: With the addition of spring onions, coriander, cumin, and shaved macadamia, you can almost forget these were created to suit dietary restrictions.
Sweet Corn Fritters
You probably already know that corn comes in two varieties, field corn and sweet corn; but do you know the difference between the two?
Sweet corn makes up only 1% of the corn harvested in the US each year. It the type of corn people eat on the cobb although it can also be purchased canned or frozen. It is harvested only during the summer months when the husks start to turn brown.
The other type of corn is known as field corn. The plant is taller than the sweet corn plant and it has thicker leaves. It’s used to feed cows and to make products like cornmeal, corn chips, and corn salsa. It can also be found in non-food related products like ethanol and polymers.
Field corn on its own does not taste good and it is not recommended for human consumption unless it is processed into another product.
When we think of the type of corn in corn fritters, sweet corn is commonly used, although, if you are also using cornmeal, some amount of field corn may be present.
But no matter what type of corn may be in your corn fritters, one thing is for sure; if these recipes are followed correctly, you will have an utterly delicious snack on your hands. Serve with a dipping sauce like a honey mustard or sweet aioli on the side and you have an appetizer your guests are sure to love. How will you be serving corn fritters in your home?
Is Corn Actually Good For Us?
You've probably heard it before: “we shouldn't eat corn, we can't digest it!”. But is it actually true? The debate over whether or not corn is worth eating has raged for years, and likely will for a long time to come. Let's put some food for thought out there.
Those in favor of corn consumption argue that the fiber in corn is useful. Corn is only partially digestible, but we are able to get some good fiber out of what is digestible. Fiber is necessary for our gut to function properly. Without enough fiber, we can run into various gastrointestinal issues.
Those against corn consumption argue that there isn't significant value that comes from corn. They also point out that corn can spike the blood sugar levels of diabetics, due to being high in natural sugars itself. For this reason, it can be argued that other vegetables are a better choice.
Where do you fall? Are you in favor of corn consumption, or do you think it's a waste? We think corn is delicious, but it's up to you what you serve your family. Ultimately, the most important thing is that your family are getting the nutrition they need, every day. As long as they are, then nothing else matters.
If you enjoyed this recipe, make sure to check out our Chicken Potato Delight Recipe and our Chicken Waikiki Beach Recipe.
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Corn Fritters Recipe
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- Total Time: 20 Minutes
Description
If you are familiar with Southern cooking, you know that corn fritters are a popular snack made with a batter of flour or cornmeal, corn, eggs and milk. If you are not familiar with Southern cooking, and did not known what corn fritters are, now you do. You’re welcome.
Ingredients
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 2/3 cups cooked or canned whole grain corn
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup sifted all purpose flour
- 3 egg whites
- 6 Tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Beat egg yolks until light, then add corn, and next 3 ingredients.
- Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Drop by spoonfuls into hot oil in a skillet.
- Cook on both sides until brown and done.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 10 Minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
The image featured at the top of this post is ©from my point of view/Shutterstock.com