Conch Fritters are sold all throughout the Bahamas where conch is the national food. This recipe gives you the authentic Bahamian experience… when you bite into these golden, crispy fritters, you’ll find tender conch mollusk meat paired with fresh veggies and spices. Try them with the simple creamy-hot sauce, or your own sauces of choice.
You’ll Need
FOR THE FRITTERS
2 medium sized conchs (skinned and diced)
½ onion (diced)
1 stick celery (diced)
1 ½ tomatoes (diced)
3 tsp salt (or to taste)
1 bird pepper (or half a habanero, if bird pepper is not available)
2 tsp hot sauce
½ – ¾ cup ketchup or tomato paste
¼ cup thyme
2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 ¼ cup water
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup ketchup
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
FOR THE FRITTERS
In a large bowl, mix everything together except the flour, baking powder, and water.
In a smaller bowl, mix together the flour and the baking powder.
Add the dry ingredients to the large bowl, stir, and then add the water slowly.
Pre-heat a pot with oil, a few inches deep, over high heat.
Scoop tablespoons of the batter into the hot oil (don’t over-crowd them, only fry a few fritters at a time) until golden brown on one side. Flip the fritters and continue frying until the other side is also golden brown.
Serve hot, with sauce below
FOR THE DIPPING SAUCE
Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
NOTES
If you’re a vegetarian or just can’t find conch in your area, substitute the conch with a 15 oz. can of corn, drained.
