Teresa's Recipes
Peixinhos da Horta
Peixinhos da Horta, translating to 'little fish from the garden', is a cherished Portuguese delicacy that brings the garden's bounty to life in a delightful and crispy form. These golden-green bean fritters are reminiscent of tempura, offering a light and airy batter that encases tender beans, making them a perfect appetizer or snack. Traditionally enjoyed in Portugal, they are often served with a zesty dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or spicy mayonnaise, elevating their flavor and texture. The dish embodies the spirit of Portuguese home cooking and is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
- 1 pound, trimmed Green beans
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 cup (adjust as needed) Water
- for frying Vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- for dipping Garlic aioli
- for dipping Spicy mayonnaise
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 25g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- Start by washing the green beans thoroughly under cold water and trimming the ends to ensure they're clean and ready for frying.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, salt, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined. Gradually add water, mixing until you achieve a smooth, thick batter that can coat the green beans but is still pourable.
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). To check if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
- Dip each green bean into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off before frying.
- Fry the green beans in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature.
- Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried green beans and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the Peixinhos da Horta warm, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauce, such as garlic aioli or spicy mayonnaise.
Tips
- For a twist, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick.
- Experiment with different dipping sauces to complement the flavors of the green beans.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.