Introduction
Start your morning with a plate of these irresistibly soft and puffy breakfast fritters! Ready in minutes with just a handful of pantry staples, these golden pillows of delight require no yeast and no lengthy rising time. The secret to their incredible texture lies in the combination of yogurt and baking soda, which creates a tender interior encased in a lightly crisp exterior. Perfect for busy weekday mornings or lazy weekend brunches, these versatile fritters can be enjoyed sweet or savory. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or treating yourself to something special, these quick-fix fritters will become your new breakfast favorite that everyone will request again and again.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 400g (14oz) natural plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 600g (4¾ cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 small teaspoon baking soda
- Vegetable oil for frying (approximately 500ml/2 cups)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly.
- Add the natural yogurt and salt to the beaten eggs and whisk until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking soda together.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring as you go.
- Mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. The consistency should be between a thick batter and a soft dough.
Step 2: Rest the Batter
- Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the baking soda to react with the yogurt’s acidity and helps create a lighter texture.
Step 3: Shape the Fritters
- Lightly flour your hands to prevent sticking.
- Take a small portion of dough (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly between your palms or on a floured surface.
- Shape into an oval or round patty about ½ inch (1.25 cm) thick.
- Place the shaped fritters on a lightly floured surface while you prepare the others.
Step 4: Fry the Fritters
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium heat to about 350°F (175°C). The oil should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep.
- Test the oil temperature by dropping a tiny piece of dough – if it bubbles immediately and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Carefully slide 3-4 fritters into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they puff up and turn golden brown.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Continue with the remaining batter, adjusting heat as needed.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the fritters warm, either plain or with your favorite toppings.
- For sweet options: dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with honey, or serve with jam.
- For savory options: serve with sour cream, cheese spreads, or alongside eggs and bacon.
Nutritional Information
Per fritter (based on yielding 20 fritters):
- Calories: 135
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 3g (plus absorbed oil from frying)
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes (total for all batches) Total Time: 35 minutes Yield: Approximately 20 fritters
Tips and Tricks
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the correct oil temperature throughout frying. If it’s too hot, fritters will brown too quickly outside while remaining doughy inside. If too cool, they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Dough Consistency: The batter should be soft but manageable. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If too dry, add a tablespoon of yogurt.
- Yogurt Selection: Full-fat natural yogurt works best for tender fritters. Greek yogurt can be substituted but may require a splash of milk to thin the batter slightly.
- Uniform Size: Try to make the fritters roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. A cookie scoop or ice cream scoop can help portion the dough consistently.
- Oil Reuse: Let the oil cool completely, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter. Store in a glass jar for future use (suitable for savory dishes).
Variations and Substitutions
Sweet Variations
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for sweet fritters.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warm spice notes.
- Fold in 1/2 cup of diced apples or blueberries for fruity fritters.
Savory Variations
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives.
- Add 1/2 cup of grated cheese like feta or cheddar.
- Incorporate 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions or cooked bacon bits.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Replace natural yogurt with kefir, buttermilk, or sour cream.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut yogurt or another plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-free bakers can substitute a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Common FAQs
Q: Why do my fritters deflate after frying?
A: This can happen if the oil temperature isn’t high enough or if you flip the fritters too early. Make sure the oil is properly heated and wait until you see bubbles forming on the surface before flipping.
Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: While best made fresh, you can prepare the batter up to 2 hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. The baking soda will gradually lose its effectiveness, so fritters might not be quite as fluffy.
Q: Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
A: Yes, though the texture will be different. Place shaped dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until golden.
Q: Why did my fritters come out dense or hard?
A: Overmixing the dough or using too much flour can make fritters dense. Mix just until ingredients are combined and adjust flour gradually.
Q: Are these fritters freezer-friendly?
A: Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature: Freshly fried fritters are best enjoyed immediately but can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freezing: Place cooled fritters in freezer bags with parchment between layers. Freeze for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: For best texture, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-8 minutes rather than microwaving. This restores some of the exterior crispness.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare and shape the fritters, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate (covered) for up to 4 hours before frying.
These quick and easy breakfast fritters are a delightful way to start your day. Their pillowy softness and golden exterior make them irresistible, while their versatility means they can be tailored to suit any taste preference. The no-yeast recipe saves valuable time without compromising on texture or flavor. Whether you’re serving them with sweet toppings for breakfast or alongside a hearty soup for lunch, these fritters are sure to satisfy your comfort food cravings while impressing anyone lucky enough to share your table.
