Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Swiss Chard Stalk Ricotta Fritters









It's always fun to cook with my dad, a 91 year-young guy who's got a zest for life and the energy to go with it that outpaces people half his age. He's right at home in the kitchen and in the garden, where he grows a variety of vegetables including Swiss chard.  A couple of weeks ago when he visited, I put him to work using some of the Swiss chard from my garden, thinking of the Swiss chard stalk fritters my mom used to make when she was alive. That delicious recipe is here. This time, however, I wanted to incorporate some ricotta that was in the fridge waiting for a home. Why not make fritters with it, I thought? My dad was eager to help out. 




Later, we moved outdoors to a side burner on the grill to fry the little munchies and keep the kitchen from overheating on a hot day.






 Alongside an Italian tuna sandwich, they made a great lunch. They'd also be a wonderful appetizer or side dish.






Swiss Chard stalk Ricotta Fritters

printable recipe here



6 to 8 large Swiss chard stalks (about 1 cup), cut into small pieces (1/2" inch)

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 scallions, thinly sliced

1/2 cup ricotta cheese

1/4 cup pecorino or parmesan cheese

2 large eggs

salt, pepper

2 T. fresh thyme

3/4 cup flour



Boil the swiss chard stalks in water until almost tender, about five minutes. Drain and cool. Place the Swiss chard stalks in a mixing bowl and add the remainder of the ingredients, mixing everything well. It should be thick and sticky.

Drop by large spoonfuls into a skillet where you have heated up some cooking oil. There should be enough oil to reach the top of the fritters when you drop them in. Fry over medium high heat, turning once until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with more salt.



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11 comments:

  1. Com'è bello, bello e ancora bello il tuo papà! Un amore <3 E queste frittelline sono deliziose! Un abbraccio Linda, con tanto affetto ;)

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  2. Fantastic! Those fritters looks mighty good.

    A wonderful father! His smile is contageous.

    Cheeres,

    Rosa

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  3. Thank you for posting this recipe, I have SO MUCH rainbow chard in the garden and have no clue what to do with it. Will make these tonight! I love your dad! He's too cute!

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  4. Linda,
    Looks like you had a great time with your amazing father. The fritters look delicious.
    Maria

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  5. What a wonderful thing! I love your "Frugal Fritters!" I am such a wastrel, I know. I should at least saute the stalks, but somehow... well you know. I just always discard them. I should change my ways. I think this recipe might be a good place to start.

    Your father is a complete doll. I'm with Ely on this one; he looks great. I enjoy seeing him, and he always appears fit and happy. I bet you enjoy his company. I certainly enjoy it when you feature him. I find it truly heartwarming.

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  6. You have the cutest dad Linda, love his smile, that will be you, cooking at 91 and smiling from ear to ear! What a sweetheart and those fritters look darn good!

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  7. E' proprio in gamba, tuo papa'! Thanks for sharing that great picture of him. How wonderful that he still gardens and cooks. No doubt that's what keeps him so young. I don't understand why people throw away swiss chard stalks. They're so tasty, and they're not tough. I usually just cook them along with the leaves. Or, I cut them into bite-size pieces and add them to tomato sauce. Thanks for the inspiration, bella Linda.

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  8. tuo papà ha un bellissimo e simpatico sorriso ! Splendido quel barbecue e di certo gustosissime quelle frittelle, verrei subito se abitasi più vicina ! un bacione...

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  9. Your fritters look delicious, Linda! I could make a meal out of them with a little cheese and sopressata on the side!

    Your Dad is a marvel! It is so nice you are able to spend time cooking together.

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  10. Oh Linda, so many things to chat about in this post! First, your father looks AMAZING at 91 years old! What in the world is his secret? My family loves swiss chard and so few people that I know even use it! We stuff our ravioli with it! Love the fritters so much too, what a great idea! Enjoy your dad with his great smile!

    xo

    Roz

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  11. I love veggie fritters and Swiss Chard is one of my favorites. They look so appealing in your photos!

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