They say that, in the South, it’s possible to deep fry anything. I’ve joked about taking a plate of Southern food, battering it, and just deep-frying the entire plate! Deep fried pickles, bananas, Oreos, macaroni & cheese, even deep fried butter! We’ll deep fry it all!
What separates deep frying from pan frying is, quite simply, the amount of oil used. Pan frying is done in shallow oil where the item being cooked is not fully submerged in the oil. When deep fried, the items cooked are fully submerged. When done properly, the result is a crispy, not soggy, exterior with a fully cooked interior. Whether you use a fryer or a deep, heavy pot, what you get is just plain good!
Several years ago, deep frying had a pretty bad rap. Fat was demonized and thought to be the primary reason for so many health problems in our country. Recent research, though, seems to debunk this. In fact, eating healthy amounts of the right kinds of fat can actually help you to lose fat! Crazy, right?
And, interestingly enough, proper deep frying technique actually results in a remarkably low level of fat being absorbed into the food. It’s all about the technique! That’s what this month is all about. We will be working with all types of fried foods and frying styles, frying the stuff on it’s own (like French fries), battered or breaded, wrapped in pie dough, and even fried bread!
Many of my dishes this month are inspired by some of my travels over the past couple of years. I look forward to sharing my stories and my kitchen with you. Just to give a little taste, I want to start you off with my Basic Beer Batter. Enjoy!
Lookin’ for more inspired recipes? Follow my Pinterest Boards!
- 1.5 C all-purpose flour
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 12 oz beer (or more to reach desired consistency)
- Stir first 6 ingredients together until well combined.
- Add beer and whisk slowly just until all of the flour is moistened.
- Allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. Use as directed.
I’m reading this at 9:30 pm. I’m all ready for bed. Teeth brushed. And of course, now I’m STARVING! Thanks ever so much. 🙂
It’s good to go to bed a little hungry. It means you’ll wake up wanting breakfast! Fried hash browns anyone?
Eeek!! I’ve been wanting to deep fry pickles!! Thanks so much for the batter recipe!!
It’s such an easy base. Add some dried dill to the mix if you are just doing pickles. I bet it’d be amazing! Or, if you have some, batter up some fresh dill to serve on the side!!! Use about 2 cups of club soda instead of the beer and that fried dill would be something pretty special!