Desserts Recipes - Sweet and Spicy Rice Fritters Recipe

Ingredients

• 175g/6oz cooked basmati rice

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 60ml/4 tbsp caster (superfine) sugar

• a pinch of nutmeg

• 2.5ml/1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• a pinch of ground cloves

• 10ml/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 50g/2oz/1/2 cup plain (all-purpose) flour

• 10ml/2 tsp baking powder

• a pinch of salt

• 25g/1oz desiccated (dry unsweetened shredded) coconut

• sunflower oil, for deep-frying

• icing (confectioners') sugar, to dust

Serves 4

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Method:

1. Place the cooked rice, eggs, sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and vanilla extract in a large bowl and whisk together by hand, or with an electric whisk. to combine.

2. Sift in the flour, baking powder and salt and add the coconut. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

3. Fill a wok one-third full of the oil and heat to 180°C/350°F or until a cube of bread, dropped into the oil, browns in 45 seconds. Alternatively, use a deep-fryer and follow the manufacturer's directions.

4. Very gently, drop tablespoonfuls of the mixture into the oil, one at a time, and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden. Carefully remove the fritters from the wok using a slotted spoon and drain well on kitchen paper.

5. Divide the fritters into four portions and serve them in dessert bowls or one plates, or simply pile them up on a single large platter.

6. Dust the fritters generously with some sifted icing sugar and serve immediately.

Note: These delicious little golden balls of rice are scented with sweet, warm spices and will fill the kitchen with wonderful aromas while you're cooking. To enjoy them at their best, serve piping hot, as soon as you've dusted them with sugar.