Discover the perfect recipe for making Crispy Conch Fritters at home! These golden-brown fried dough balls are packed with tender pieces of conch meat and a blend of spices, offering a delightful crunch and flavorful bite. Ideal as an appetizer or snack, this recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve that perfect crispy exterior and savory interior. Try it today and bring a taste of the tropics to your table!

Ingredients:

- 1 pound conch meat, chopped into small pieces

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup cornmeal

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1/2 bell pepper, finely chopped

- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon paprika

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup milk

- 1 egg, beaten

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions:

Prepare the Conch: If using fresh conch, clean and tenderize the meat by pounding it with a meat mallet. Chop into small pieces. If using frozen conch, thaw and chop into small pieces.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.

Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Mix until the vegetables are evenly distributed.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and beaten egg. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.

Add Conch and Parsley: Fold in the chopped conch meat and fresh parsley. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.

Heat Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat to about 350°F (175°C). The oil should be enough to submerge the fritters halfway.

7. Fry Fritters: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Serve: Enjoy the fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime.

This recipe yields about 12-15 fritters, perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own!

Nutritional Values

Conch Meat, Chopped - 1 pound (454g)  

  - Calories: 530 kcal  

  - Protein: 90g  

  - Fat: 5g  

  - Carbohydrates: 0g  

Benefits: Conch meat is rich in lean protein, low in fat, and provides omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, B12, selenium, and magnesium. It supports muscle health, boosts the immune system, and promotes cardiovascular health.

All-Purpose Flour - 1 cup  

  - Calories: 455 kcal  

  - Protein: 13g  

  - Fat: 1.2g  

  - Carbohydrates: 95g  

Benefits: A source of carbohydrates, providing energy. It also contains small amounts of protein, fiber, and minerals such as iron and folate.

Cornmeal - 1/2 cup  

  - Calories: 220 kcal  

  - Protein: 3g  

  - Fat: 1g  

  - Carbohydrates: 47g  

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates and small amounts of fiber, iron, and vitamin B6. It also adds texture to dishes and is a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour.

Onion, Finely Chopped - 1 small  

  - Calories: 28 kcal  

  - Protein: 0.7g  

  - Fat: 0.1g  

  - Carbohydrates: 6.5g  

Benefits: Onions contain antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, which may help support immune health, reduce inflammation, and promote cardiovascular health.

Bell Pepper, Finely Chopped - 1/2  

  - Calories: 12 kcal  

  - Protein: 0.5g  

  - Fat: 0.1g  

  - Carbohydrates: 3g  

Benefits: Bell peppers are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. They may help improve immune function, eye health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Celery, Finely Chopped - 1/4 cup  

  - Calories: 4 kcal  

  - Protein: 0.2g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Carbohydrates: 1g  

Benefits: Celery is low in calories and provides fiber, vitamins K and C, potassium, and antioxidants. It may aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.

Garlic, Minced - 2 cloves  

  - Calories: 9 kcal  

  - Protein: 0.4g  

  - Fat: 0g  

  - Carbohydrates: 2g  

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, garlic contains compounds like allicin, which may boost immune function, lower blood pressure, and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Baking Powder - 1/2 teaspoon  

  - Calories: 1 kcal  

Benefits: Baking powder helps to leaven baked goods, giving them a lighter texture.

Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon  

  - Calories: 3 kcal  

  - Protein: 0.15g  

  - Fat: 0.15g  

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g  

Benefits: High in antioxidants and vitamins A, E, and B6. It may help reduce inflammation, improve eye health, and support the immune system.

Cayenne Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon  

  - Calories: 3 kcal  

  - Protein: 0.15g  

  - Fat: 0.2g  

  - Carbohydrates: 0.6g  

Benefits: Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism, improve digestion, and provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.

Black Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon  

  - Calories: 3 kcal  

  - Protein: 0.1g  

  - Fat: 0.1g  

  - Carbohydrates: 0.7g  

Benefits: Black pepper contains piperine, which may improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and has antioxidant properties.

Salt - 1 teaspoon  

  - Calories: 0 kcal  

Benefits: Essential for electrolyte balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function. However, excessive intake should be avoided to reduce the risk of high blood pressure.

Milk - 1/2 cup  

  - Calories: 60 kcal (for whole milk)  

  - Protein: 4g  

  - Fat: 3g  

  - Carbohydrates: 5g  

Benefits: Rich in calcium, vitamin D, and protein. It supports bone health, muscle function, and provides a range of essential nutrients.

Egg, Beaten - 1 large  

  - Calories: 70 kcal  

  - Protein: 6g  

  - Fat: 5g  

  - Carbohydrates: 1g  

Benefits: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein, vitamins A, D, B12, choline, and selenium. They support muscle growth, brain health, and eye health.

Fresh Parsley, Chopped - 1/4 cup  

  - Calories: 4 kcal  

  - Protein: 0.4g  

  - Fat: 0.1g  

  - Carbohydrates: 0.8g  

Benefits: High in vitamins A, C, and K. It contains antioxidants, promotes bone health, and may aid in digestion.

Oil for Frying (Vegetable or Canola) - Amount varies  

  - Calories: 120 kcal per tablespoon  

  - Fat: 14g  

Benefits: Depending on the type of oil, it may contain healthy unsaturated fats, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Oils like olive or canola oil are considered heart-healthy choices.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and cooking techniques.