Cardoon Fritters

4.0
(1)

I made up this recipe based on my grandma's zucchini fritter recipe. I have cardoon growing in my garden and wanted to find a good way to use it. This is one of my two favorite ways. The cardoon in the cooler weather (like now in January on the Oregon coast) is not nearly as bitter as the spring. These also make nice appetizers, just make them smaller.

2
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
41 mins
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hrs 6 mins
Servings:
4
Yield:
16 fritters

Ingredients

  • 1 pinch vitamin C powder

  • 5 stalks cardoon, outer membranes and strings peeled

  • ¼ cup lemon juice

  • salt

  • 2 eggs

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

  • cup all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 pinch salt and ground black pepper to taste

  • ¼ cup olive oil for frying

Directions

  1. Dissolve vitamin C powder in a large bowl of water. Soak cardoon stalks to keep from turning brown, about 10 minutes. Drain.

  2. Bring 2 quarts of water, lemon juice, and salt to a boil in a large pot. Add cardoon stalks; cook until tender yet still firm, 30 to 60 minutes. Drain. Cut into lengths 1/4-inch thick. Cut into 1/8-inch widths.

  3. Whisk eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and parsley together in a large bowl. Mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add cardoons; mix until evenly coated with batter.

  4. Heat olive oil in a deep saucepan over medium heat. Spoon batter into the hot oil to make 3-inch fritters; cook until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

Cook's Notes:

You can prepare the cardoons up to a couple days ahead of time if desired.

You can substitute 2 zucchinis, grated, but increase flour to 3/4 cup.

Editor's Note:

We have determined the nutritional value of oil for frying based on a retention value of 10% after cooking. Amount will vary depending on cooking time and temperature, ingredient density, and specific type of oil used.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

145 Calories
7g Fat
13g Carbs
9g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 145
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 7g 9%
Saturated Fat 3g 14%
Cholesterol 102mg 34%
Sodium 495mg 22%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 9g
Vitamin C 41mg 203%
Calcium 242mg 19%
Iron 2mg 9%
Potassium 338mg 7%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.