Happier Than A Pig In Mud: Fried Zucchini with Cornmeal

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Fried Zucchini with Cornmeal

If you search Pig In Mud you'll only find one recipe that's truly deep fried, the donuts HERE. Oh I might fry/saute some veggies in bacon fat here or there, but I'm talking about taking the plunge into deep fat frying... Well here's the second recipe and I loved every single bite! This Fried Zucchini with Cornmeal was different for few reasons: 1. There were no wet ingredients other than the cut edges of the zukes and onions, so it's a little lighter... 2. The onion rings add amazing flavor to the oil! 3. The cornmeal makes them crispy and you might just ask yourself, is this really zucchini???

While I don't encourage eating like this often, what a fun splurge-especially since I was gifted the zuke from my son's garden! I chose to dress it with nothing more than a nice sprinkling of kosher salt but don't doubt spaghetti sauce or ranch dressing for dipping would be great too. Just when I was about to say I wasn't feeling the love for zucchini this summer... this recipe came along and changed that! I think you'll like it if you try it folks:@)

Fried Zucchini with Cornmeal-from Allrecipes
2 zucchini, sliced, either 1/4" rounds or approx 1/4" wedges-I deseeded mine
1 onion sliced into rings, at least 1/4" thick
1/2 C A/P flour
1/2 C cornmeal
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp garlic powder
a couple shakes of cayenne-optional
1 C vegetable oil for frying

Mix the dry ingredients in large bowl, add zucchini and onion, add lid and shake well.
Let sit for 30 minutes so a batter forms on the veggies (I kept giving it an additional shake).
Heat oil in medium skillet and fry veggies in a few batches (a cast iron skillet works really well for this). Check after a couple minutes and turn the veggies once the bottom gets nice and golden brown.
Drain on paper towels and add an additional sprinkling of salt.
Note for deep fryer: 375 degrees, 4-5 minutes.