Conch Fritters

Description

Conch fritters are a delicious and popular dish in the Caribbean, especially in the Bahamas. They are made from conch meat, which is tenderized, chopped, and mixed with a flavorful batter before being deep-fried to golden perfection. Here’s a classic recipe for conch fritters:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound conch meat, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional, for heat)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Conch:
   • If the conch meat is tough, tenderize it by pounding it with a meat mallet.
   • Finely chop the conch meat.
2. Mix the Vegetables and Conch:
   • In a large bowl, combine the chopped conch, onion, green bell pepper, celery, garlic, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using).
3. Prepare the Batter:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
   • Add the beaten egg, milk, and water to the dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
   • Add the conch and vegetable mixture to the batter, stirring until well combined.
5. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large deep skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry the Fritters:
   • Carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, a few at a time to avoid overcrowding.
   • Fry the fritters until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
   • Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the conch fritters hot with a dipping sauce like tartar sauce, cocktail sauce, or a spicy remoulade.