Say Opa! to Greek Batter and Frying
Crispiest Side of the Mediterranean Greek Diet
One of the secrets to these delicious dishes lies in the unique batter and frying.
Batter and frying techniques have been passed down through generations, giving Greek cuisine its distinct taste.
One of the unique ingredients used in Greek-style frying is chickpea flour. Also known as gram flour or besan, is a gluten-free flour made from ground chickpeas. It is often used in Greek frying to create a crispy coating that compliments the savory flavors of the dish. Another unique ingredient is Greek yogurt, which is used to create yogurt batter that complements the flavor of the dish. In addition to these ingredients, olive oil is used in most Greek frying techniques as it enhances the flavors of the dish and is healthier compared to other frying oils.
Greek cuisine has several types of batters, including the semolina batter made with semolina flour and water is used as a thicker coating for fried fish in some greek recipes.
Other types of batters include:
Feta Cheese Batter - A mixture of feta cheese, flour, eggs, milk, baking powder, and olive oil. The batter is typically used to make small feta cheese balls that are fried or baked to a golden crispy texture.
Avgolemono Batter - Avgolemono is a traditional Greek egg-lemon sauce/batter that is made using eggs, lemon juice, chicken broth, and flour (sometimes).
Greek Yogurt Batter - A mixture of Greek yogurt, flour, baking powder, eggs, and salt. The batter is thick and creamy, and it is often used to make pancakes, fritters, and chicken tenders.
Semolina Batter - A semolina batter is a mixture of semolina, flour, eggs, baking powder, olive oil, and salt. The batter is used to make a variety of sweet and savory dishes, including pastries, desserts, and appetizers.
Kolokithokeftedes Batter - Fritters, that are spooned into hot olive oil in a frying pan, and cooked until golden brown and crisp on both sides. Once done, the fritters are drained on paper towels to remove excess oil.
To create the perfect Greek-style fried dish, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Always use clean and dry frying oil, preferably extra virgin olive oil.
Make sure the batter is the right consistency, not too thick or thin, for it to stick to the food and create a crispy coating.
Season the batter well with spices like garlic powder, zagori smoked paprika, oregano, thyme, and black pepper. Some chefs also add additional ingredients like lemon juice, feta cheese, and grated onions to the batter, enhancing its flavor.
The use of unique gluten-free ingredients like chickpea flour, feta cheese, and olive oil help create a distinctive taste that is hard to find in other cuisines.
In addition to the right ingredients, the use of proper techniques and tools like a deep fryer and a thermometer are also essential for perfecting Greek-style frying.
By following the tips mentioned above, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of Greek-style frying and creating mouth-watering, authentic Greek dishes that your friends and family will love.
Greek Secrets - Chickpea, Yogurt and Semolina
Finger-Lickin' Good!
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