We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Pumpkin Fritters?

By Angie Bates
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,689
References
Share

Pumpkin fritters are chunks of pumpkin combined with seasonings in a batter and then deep fried. A version called Peruvian picarones creates a more dough-like batter and shapes the fritters into rings before deep frying. Pumpkin fritters can be sweet or spicy and are often served with syrup or dipping sauce.

Mashed, grated, or pureed pumpkin is normally used for pumpkin fritters. Although canned pumpkin can be used, fresh pumpkin is often suggested. When fresh pumpkin is used, it is usually grated and then may be sprinkled with salt and allowed to rest. This step removes some excess water from the pumpkin and helps to avoid runny fritters. Additional water can be squeezed out of the pumpkin before its mixed with the other ingredients.

In addition to pumpkin, flour, baking powder, eggs, and spices are normally included in pumpkin fritters. Spice choices determine whether the fritter will be sweet or spicy. Cinnamon, cloves, and sugar can be included for sweet fritters, whereas curry, cilantro, black pepper, and jalapeños can be used for spicy versions. Some versions may also include walnuts, raisins, milk, or orange zest. Doughier versions will add yeast.

To make non-yeast pumpkin fritters, the chosen ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. The resulting batter is then dropped, usually by the spoonful, into hot oil and deep fried. Yeast-based fritters require first dissolving the yeast in warm water, then combining the flour, baking powder, and sugar if used. After those ingredients are mixed, the rest can be added and a dough is formed. The dough is covered and allowed to rise before it can be shaped into rings or into balls and fried.

Vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil are all options in which to fry pumpkin fritters. Olive oil is not normally suggested because it has its own distinct flavor which can affect the flavor of the finished product. To deep fry, the oil should be extremely hot before the batter is spooned into the pot. The fritters are normally completely submerged in the oil while cooking.

Frying takes several minutes, and the resulting fritters should be a golden brown when complete. Once cooked, pumpkin fritters should be removed with a slotted spoon and placed on a paper towel to drain. They are best when served immediately. Sweet fritters can be served with syrups, such as maple, or cinnamon and sugar. Spicier versions are better paired with dipping sauces such as tomato chutney or baconnaise.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-pumpkin-fritters.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.