Taro Fritters w/ Spicy Ketchup
Aloha foodies! Today I have a tasty recipe for you: Taro Fritters! Fritters, latkes, and hash-brown like creations are made with shredded potatoes, onions, and spices, then fried to crispy perfection and dipped in ketchup or a remoulade. Let me tell you, I love everything potatoes - who doesn’t? They are sent from the heavens. However I wanted to do something different, so I used a similarly delicious ingredient from the islands, taro. They are both starchy vegetables so they function the same.
What is Taro?
Excellent question! Taro is a starchy tuber that was a staple crop for the first Polynesians who inhabited the Hawaiian islands. It is so important that it’s intertwined with their mythology! Taro (or kalo) is the late older brother of Hāloa, the first human. Kalo is
part of the family, ready to sustain us with complex carbs, B-vitamins and minerals to take on the day!
First, we will shred the taro along with some Yukon potatoes and onion. Squeeze the shredded mixture together tightly to release any excess moisture. Add to a bowl with the seasonings and flour. Stir thoroughly until the mixture holds together. You may need to adjust the flour to get the right consistency. Add additional flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right.
Next, you’re going to form them into rounds. Use about two tablespoons per round.
Now the fun part! Heat up some oil ( I like olive, but canola, coconut, or avocado are fine as well) on medium heat until the pan is nice and hot. Add your fritters and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side. When the fritters are fully cooked, remove from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt while they are still hot. This helps the salt adhere to the food.
For the dipping sauce, we are keeping it simple with this one! Soy sauce and ketchup bring umami, salt, and sweetness, with the sriracha adding a note of spiciness. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix until combined. Also, HEB has the best ketchup.
Enjoy your hard work! Try these out at your next potluck or dinner!
Taro Fritters w/ Spicy Ketchup
2 cup Shredded taro
1 cup Shredded potato
1/2 cup Shredded onion
4 cloves Minced garlic
1/4 cup All-purpose or Gluten -Free Flour
Salt and Pepper to taste
Oil of choice ( I like olive or avocado oil)
Spicy Ketchup:
2 T Soy sauce
1/4 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Sriracha
Mix together shredded taro, potato and onion with flour and seasonings. Shape into rounds (about 2 Tablespoons each). In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil in a pan over medium-high heat. When nice and hot, add the taro mixture and cook on both sides until golden brown. Remove from the pan and season with salt while they’re still hot.
Mix together the sauce ingredients and dig in! Mahalo! 🌺
Note: You can air-fry these as well! Place rounds in an airfryer at 375F for 8 minutes, flip and cook another 5 minutes.
