Discover the ultimate Conch Fritters recipe! These crispy, deep-fried balls are made with tender conch meat and seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs for a flavor-packed treat. Perfect as an appetizer or a savory snack, this recipe will guide you through making these delightful fritters with a golden, crispy exterior and a succulent, flavorful interior.

Ingredients:

- 1 lb conch meat, finely chopped

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup cornmeal

- 1/2 cup milk

- 2 large eggs

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 1 bell pepper, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Oil for frying

Instructions:

Prepare the Batter:

  - In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.

  - In another bowl, whisk together the milk and eggs until well combined.

  - Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Mix in Conch and Vegetables:

  - Fold in the chopped conch meat, onion, bell pepper, and garlic until evenly distributed.

Heat the Oil:

  - In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Fritters:

  - Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

  - Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.

  - Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters and drain them on paper towels.

Serve:

  - Serve the Conch Fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Enjoy these delightful fritters as a perfect appetizer or snack that brings a taste of the tropics to your table!

Nutritional Values

Conch Meat (1 lb / 450g)

  - Calories: Approximately 200-250

  - Protein: 40-50g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 2-5g

Benefits: High in protein, supports muscle growth and repair, provides essential nutrients such as vitamin B12, and supports cardiovascular health.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup / 120g)

  - Calories: Approximately 455

  - Protein: 13g

  - Carbohydrates: 95g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits: Provides energy through carbohydrates, supports overall body function, and contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Cornmeal (1/2 cup / 60g)

  - Calories: Approximately 220

  - Protein: 6g

  - Carbohydrates: 50g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits: Provides energy, contains dietary fiber which supports digestive health, and is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus.

Milk (1/2 cup / 120ml)

  - Calories: Approximately 60

  - Protein: 4g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Fat: 2.5g

Benefits: Provides calcium and vitamin D for bone health, supports muscle function, and offers protein.

Eggs (2 large)

  - Calories: Approximately 140

  - Protein: 12g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 10g

Benefits: High in protein and essential amino acids, provides vitamins A, D, and B12, supports muscle repair and growth.

Small Onion (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 44

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports heart health, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Bell Pepper (1, finely chopped)

  - Calories: Approximately 24

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, supports eye health, and aids in immune function.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced)

  - Calories: Approximately 8

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Supports immune function, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may help reduce blood pressure.

Paprika (1 tsp)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

  - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, may help boost metabolism, and supports healthy digestion.

Cayenne Pepper (1/2 tsp, optional)

  - Calories: Approximately 3

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits: Contains capsaicin which can boost metabolism, may aid in pain relief, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Dried Thyme (1 tsp)

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports respiratory health, and may have antimicrobial properties.

Dried Oregano (1 tsp)

  - Calories: Approximately 5

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants, supports digestive health, and may have antimicrobial properties.

Baking Powder (1/2 tsp)

  - Calories: Approximately 2

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Acts as a leavening agent to help baked goods rise, contributes to the texture of the dish.

Salt (to taste)

  - Calories: 0

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor, helps maintain fluid balance, and is necessary for proper nerve and muscle function.

Pepper (to taste)

  - Calories: Approximately 6 per teaspoon

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits: May aid digestion, has antioxidant properties, and can enhance the absorption of other nutrients.

Oil for Frying (amount varies)

  - Calories: Approximately 120 per tablespoon

  - Protein: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 14g

Benefits: Provides healthy fats, adds flavor, and contributes to the texture of fried foods.