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Today, we’ll explore an innovative recipe that takes the humble pumpkin to new heights: Crispy Fried Pumpkin Balls. These delightful bites are perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even as a festive appetizer at a holiday party. Combining the creamy, earthy taste of pumpkin with gooey mozzarella and the crunch of a crispy breadcrumb coating, these pumpkin balls are sure to be a hit.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe marries textures and flavors in a way that makes it stand out. The roasted pumpkin provides a creamy base, rich in natural sweetness. By adding Parmesan and breadcrumbs to the mix, you create a savory contrast that elevates the dish. The mozzarella center is the star of the show, oozing out with every bite, while the crispy breadcrumb coating ensures that each bite has that satisfying crunch.
The recipe is also quite flexible. For instance, you can adjust the herbs and spices to your preference. Want a spicier version? Try adding some chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the mixture. For a more Mediterranean flavor profile, a touch of oregano or thyme could do wonders.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Aside from its irresistible taste, pumpkin is also packed with health benefits. Rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, it supports good vision, immune function, and skin health. Its high fiber content aids digestion and helps in maintaining a healthy weight, while its potassium levels support heart health.
For those looking to enjoy seasonal produce in a fun and creative way, these Crispy Fried Pumpkin Balls are an excellent choice. They are not only delicious but also a nutritious way to celebrate autumn’s bounty.
Ingredient Notes:
- Hokkaido pumpkin: This variety has a sweet, nutty flavor and smooth texture, perfect for mashing. You can also use other firm pumpkins or butternut squash.
- Breadcrumbs: Used both in the mixture to bind the ingredients and as a coating for a crispy finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor to balance the sweetness of the pumpkin.
- Mozzarella: Provides a gooey, melted center in each pumpkin ball.
- Egg: Helps bind the pumpkin mixture together.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbaceous note to the mixture.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- Oil for frying: A neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil works best for deep frying.
How To Make Crispy Fried Pumpkin Balls
Roast the Pumpkin:
- Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). Slice your 500g of Hokkaido pumpkin and arrange it on a baking tray. Drizzle lightly with oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is soft and tender. This roasting process deepens the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and makes it easier to mash.
Mash and Mix:
- Once the pumpkin is roasted, transfer the slices to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash the pumpkin until smooth. It’s important to get the consistency just right—smooth, but not overly wet. Then, add 100g breadcrumbs, 50g Parmesan, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons parsley, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture holds its shape when formed into a ball.
Shape and Stuff:
- Take about 40g of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball, making sure to fully enclose the cheese inside. This will create a deliciously melty core once the balls are fried.
Coat and Fry:
- Roll each pumpkin ball in a bowl of breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. This layer will create the crisp exterior during frying. Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pan. Carefully drop the pumpkin balls into the hot oil and fry them for 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside. Make sure to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly. Once they are crispy and golden, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve Hot:
- These pumpkin balls are best enjoyed hot, fresh out of the fryer, when the mozzarella is still gooey and stretchy. Serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or even a snack. You can pair them with a dipping sauce, such as marinara or a creamy garlic aioli, for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crispy Fried Pumpkin Balls
Roasting the pumpkin enhances its natural sweetness and prevents it from becoming too watery.
Adjust the consistency of the mixture by adding breadcrumbs if it’s too wet, or a splash of milk or an extra egg if it’s too dry.
Chill the pumpkin balls in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before frying to help them hold their shape.
Make sure the oil temperature is at 350°F (175°C) for a perfect crispy exterior.
After frying, drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep the balls crisp.
Delicious Pumpkin Recipes to Try Next
Pumpkin Pie with Nut Brittle and Cinnamon Cream
Hasselback Butternut Squash with Feta Dip
Crispy Butternut Squash Fritters with Garlic Dip
Crispy Fried Pumpkin Balls
Equipment
- Thermometer to check oil temperature
- Slotted spoon for frying
- Paper towels for draining excess oil
Ingredients
- 500 g Hokkaido pumpkin
- 100 g breadcrumbs for the mixture
- 50 g Parmesan cheese grated
- 100 g mozzarella cut into small cubes
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 100 g breadcrumbs for coating
- Oil for frying vegetable or sunflower oil recommended
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
- Cut the pumpkin into slices (you can remove the skin if it's too tough).
- Place the pumpkin slices on a baking tray, drizzle with a bit of oil, and season with a pinch of salt.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the pumpkin is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Once the pumpkin is soft and cooked, transfer the slices into a large bowl.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the pumpkin into a smooth consistency.
- Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to the mashed pumpkin.
- Mix until all the ingredients are well combined into a uniform mixture.
- Using your hands, take approximately 40g of the pumpkin mixture and form it into a ball.
- Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball, ensuring it's well covered by the pumpkin mixture.
- Roll each ball in breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the pumpkin balls for a few minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove the fried balls from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
- Serve the crispy fried pumpkin balls hot, either as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.4o mini
