Welcome to a culinary journey that transports you to the turquoise waters and vibrant culture of Bermuda! One of the island's most iconic and delectable dishes is the Bermuda Conch Fritters. Bursting with flavors of the sea, these golden-brown delights are a perfect fusion of Caribbean influence and local Bermudian tradition.

Conch, a mollusk commonly found in the warm Atlantic waters surrounding Bermuda, takes center stage in this recipe. Known for its tender texture and subtle sweetness, conch pairs perfectly with a blend of island spices, creating a mouthwatering experience that captures the essence of Bermuda's culinary charm.

Whether you're a seafood enthusiast or simply looking to add a taste of the tropics to your kitchen, join us on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the steps of creating these irresistible Bermuda Conch Fritters. Get ready to elevate your cooking skills and bring a piece of Bermuda's coastal paradise to your plate!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh conch meat, finely chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Conch:Ensure the conch meat is thoroughly cleaned and finely chopped. You can purchase pre-cleaned conch meat or clean it yourself by removing the tough outer skin and any unwanted parts.

Mix Dry Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.

Add Vegetables:Incorporate the finely chopped green onions, red bell pepper, and celery into the dry mixture. Stir until the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Combine Wet Ingredients:In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs and milk. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring continuously to form a thick batter.

Fold in Conch:Gently fold the finely chopped conch meat into the batter until it is evenly distributed. Ensure that the conch pieces are well coated with the batter.

Heat Oil for Frying:In a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You'll need enough oil to submerge the fritters during frying.

Form Fritters:Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, shaping them into round fritters. Be cautious not to overcrowd the frying pot to ensure even cooking.

Fry Until Golden Brown:Fry the conch fritters for 3-4 minutes or until they turn golden brown, turning them occasionally for even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Serve Warm:Serve the Bermuda Conch Fritters warm, perhaps with a side of tangy cocktail sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon. Enjoy the delightful taste of the sea in every crispy bite!

These Bermuda Conch Fritters make for a perfect appetizer or a flavorful addition to any seafood feast. Dive into the taste of Bermuda with this delightful deep-fried treat!

Nutritional Values:

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and variations of ingredients used. The following values are approximate and based on commonly available products. It's always a good idea to check the nutritional information on the specific brands you use.

Nutritional values per serving (assuming 4 servings):

Fresh Conch Meat (1 lb):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Rich in protein and low in fat, conch meat provides essential amino acids for muscle health and contributes to overall satiety.

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits: A versatile source of carbohydrates, flour provides the base for the fritter batter, offering energy for bodily functions and activities.

Cornmeal (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 200
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits: Adds a crunchy texture to the fritters and is a good source of fiber, supporting digestive health and providing a feeling of fullness.

Baking Powder (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the fritters rise and achieve a light, fluffy texture.

Old Bay Seasoning (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A blend of herbs and spices, Old Bay seasoning enhances the overall flavor profile, providing a savory and aromatic kick to the fritters.

Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a savory and mildly pungent flavor to the fritters while offering potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contributes a sweet and oniony flavor to the fritters, and onions contain antioxidants that may offer various health benefits.

Cayenne Pepper (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides a subtle heat to the fritters and contains capsaicin, which may have metabolism-boosting and pain-relief properties.

Green Onions (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 8
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Adds a fresh and mild onion flavor to the fritters, along with vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.

Red Bell Pepper (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 12
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to the fritters, and red bell peppers are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants.

Celery (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a crisp texture and a mild, earthy flavor to the fritters, while also providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Large Eggs (2):

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 12g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Act as a binding agent in the batter, contributing protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.

Milk (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 60
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Enhances the moisture and richness of the fritters, providing calcium, vitamin D, and protein.

Vegetable Oil (for frying):

• Calories: 120 (approximately 1 tablespoon)
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Used for frying, vegetable oil contributes to the crispy texture of the fritters. Choose healthier options like olive oil for added benefits.

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• (Negligible caloric contribution)

benefits: Season the fritters, enhancing their overall taste. While excessive salt should be avoided, a moderate amount is essential for flavor balance.

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Adjustments should be made for any variations in your recipe or specific dietary needs.