Peppers in batter are a delicious and crispy treat that can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack. The batter adds a light, crispy coating to the sweet peppers, making them extra tasty. Here's a simple recipe to make battered peppers:
Battered Peppers
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers (any color), cut into strips or rings
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cold sparkling water (or cold water)
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor in the batter
Instructions:
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Prepare Peppers:
- Cut the bell peppers into strips or rings, depending on your preference. Remove the seeds and membranes.
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Prepare Batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. If you’re using paprika or garlic powder, add them to the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg and then add the cold sparkling water. The cold water helps create a lighter, crispier batter.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. The batter should be lumpy and thick.
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Heat Oil:
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the surface.
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Coat and Fry Peppers:
- Dip the pepper strips or rings into the batter, coating them evenly.
- Carefully place the battered peppers into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Serve:
- Serve the battered peppers warm. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce like ranch, marinara, or aioli.
Tips and Variations:
- Dipping Sauce: Serve with a variety of sauces such as a spicy aioli, honey mustard, or a classic ketchup.
- Flavor Variations: Add different spices to the batter, such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or dried herbs for a more savory flavor.
- Vegetable Variations: Try the batter on other vegetables like zucchini, onion rings, or mushrooms for a mixed vegetable platter.
Battered peppers are a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness of bell peppers with a crunchy, flavorful coating. Enjoy this crispy, delicious treat!
