Deep Fried Broccoli & Homemade Fries

Day 102

Last night, no post; we just had leftovers. Same tonight. Laura made a lot of rice and 16 dim sum, so we've had it for 4 meals in 3 days. Now it's all gone! But, rather than bore you with leftover details, I had the presence of mind to take pics while I fried our lunch.

Deep Fried Broccoli & Homemade Fries

Deep Fried Broccoli

The broccoli had been in the fridge for a few days because I bought it about a day before we made the dim sum, so it hadn't gotten used. So, after I made the fries, I mixed up some batter and fried some of the florets to go with them.

Batter and broccoli florets

I mixed the batter from Compliments pancake batter. Just add water and it's ready to go. However, I also added some salt and paprika for flavor. To me, it's just as good as any other batter out there (with the exception of tempura), and believe me, we've tried some fancy ones.

Compliments pancake batter

Broccoli in batter

Deep fried broccoli is so delicious but probably not real nutritious. A way to take a good, nutritious vegetable and defile the goodness. But sooo yummy, as a treat. And very quick and easy to make.

We serve it with ranch dressing.

Battered broccoli, frying

Deep Frying Safety

I got some criticism today for frying food in a saucepan instead of a Fry Daddy or a deep fryer. This person posted a comment with an angry emoticon, as though my saucepan deep frying caused some anger. Just so you know, I always take a number of precautions when frying:

• First of all, I never leave the oil unattended. 
• I use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel saucepan and make sure it completely covers the burner so the oil doesn't spatter onto the hot element.
• I am always prepared to extinguish flames if need be, with pot lids and baking soda. 
• I always use fresh oil.
• I never cook on a high enough temperature to cause it to smoke. 
• I only use about 1/2" oil in the pot, typically, for most things I fry, like fries and cheese rangoons. Today, however, I probably used an inch of oil to fry the broccoli, because it's bigger. 

So, don't worry, folks, I am always aware of the risks and do everything I can to fry safely.

French Fries

French Fries

I know we've been making these a lot, but I have a weakness. Maybe even a problem.

French fries

Made way too many. No, we didn't eat them all. Not sure why I thought we needed all those! I fried 3 batches  and kept them warm in 250 degrees F oven while I cooked the rest.

Reviews/Comments

It's nice to have a fried treat without leaving the house. It was really good too. I'll give it a 7 in the grand scope of what a great lunch entails, since it did lack the health aspect, but I'll give it a secret 10 for taste!