Fried Parsley

Bayou Andy's Note:

This is from New Orleans food critic and cookbook author Tom Fizmorris. It is a recipe that was served around the city for many years. It was generally served in a basket and they called it "French popcorn". There are two tricks. First, if you have previously used oil (particularly oil that you have fried chicken in) use it. Second, the curly-leaf parsley is very important because it holds the batter better.

• Total Time: 6 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 1 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 2 bunches curly-leaf parsley
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons salt-free creole seasoning
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions:

1. Heat the oil in a Dutch oven to 350 degrees.
2. Wash the parsley well and shake dry (I even blot mine with paper towels).
3. Cut off the bottom parts of the stems.
4. Combine all the dry ingredients, mix well with a fork.
5. Whisk the egg and milk together in another bowl.
6. Add the dry ingredients into the wet and whisk to make a thin batter.
7. Add a little water if need be to make the batter runny.
8. Toss the parsley around in the batter to coat.
9. Shake off excess batter.
10. Carefully drop the parsley into the hot oil.
11. Fry until it just begins to brown (about one minute).
12. Drain on paper towels.
13. Serve IMMEDIATELY.