Fried Pawpaw (Pawpaw=papaya)

LifeIsGood's Note:

This is an African inspired recipe by chef Keith Famie. This batter could also work for firm bananas. Not exactly a healthy dessert, but it is a treat. Enjoy!

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• vegetable oil, for frying

Dusting Mixture

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 cup sugar

Batter

• 1 cup cake flour
• salt, a pinch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2 egg whites

PawPaw

• 2 ripe papayas, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cardamom
• vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions:

1. Fill a saucepan 2 inches deep with vegetable oil and heat to 350 degrees F.
2. Dusting Mixture:.
3. Combine the cinnamon, cardamom and sugar and set aside.
4. Batter:.
5. Combine the flour, salt and sugar in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and melted butter. Combine the wet and dry ingredients with a whisk to form a smooth batter. If the batter is too thick, add a little more milk.
6. In another mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites to form stiff peaks. Fold the whipped egg whites into the batter. Be careful to not overmix the batter and deflate the whites.
7. Pawpaw:.
8. Season the papaya chunks with the cardamom. Dip each chunk of papaya into the batter and then deep fry in the vegetable oil, a few pieces at a time, until crisp and golden. Put the fried pawpaws on paper towels to drain. Dust them with the cinnamon sugar mix immediately.
9. Serve the fried pawpaw chunks with vanilla ice cream.