Breadfruit balls are a delicious and unique snack or side dish. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:
Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized breadfruit
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of flour (you can use all-purpose, whole wheat, or a gluten-free alternative)
- 1 egg, beaten (or an egg substitute for a vegan version)
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika or chili powder (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable, canola, or coconut oil)
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Breadfruit: Peel the breadfruit and cut it into large chunks. Remove the core and seeds.
- Boil the Breadfruit: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the breadfruit chunks and boil until they are soft, which typically takes about 20 minutes.
- Mash the Breadfruit: Drain the water and let the breadfruit cool slightly. Then, mash it until it’s smooth, similar to mashed potatoes.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed breadfruit, chopped onion, minced garlic, flour, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and paprika or chili powder if using. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Balls: Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball. If the mixture is too sticky, you can oil your hands lightly or use a bit more flour.
- Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Fry the Breadfruit Balls: Carefully add the breadfruit balls to the hot oil. Fry them until they are golden brown on all sides, turning them occasionally. This usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Drain and Serve: Once the breadfruit balls are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the breadfruit balls hot as a snack or a side dish. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce like ketchup, mayo, or a spicy sauce.
Enjoy your homemade breadfruit balls! They’re a great way to explore the flavors of breadfruit in a fun and tasty way.