Fried Parsley

Fried Parsley Recipe from Scotland - Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Scotland | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 2 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Fried parsley is a simple yet flavorful garnish that can add a crispy texture and fresh taste to a variety of dishes. This recipe will show you how to fry parsley to perfection, creating a delicious and visually appealing addition to your meals.

History

Fried parsley has been a popular garnish in European cuisine for centuries. It is often used to add a touch of elegance and color to dishes, as well as a subtle herbaceous flavor. The process of frying parsley helps to bring out its natural oils and intensify its flavor, making it a versatile and delicious addition to many dishes.

Ingredients

1 bunch of parsley
oil, for frying

How to prepare

Pick the parsley, removing the large stalks and keeping neat sprigs.
Wash the parsley thoroughly and pat it dry with a cloth.
Heat the oil in a deep pan to a temperature of 190°C/ 375°F.
Place the parsley in a frying basket and submerge it in the oil for 2 minutes.
Drain the parsley well and transfer it to a low heat oven until it becomes dry, crisp, and brittle.
Serve the fried, baked, or broiled white fish, such as Trout, sole, or whiting, with the crispy parsley on top.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of sea salt or garlic powder to the fried parsley for extra flavor.
Mix fried parsley with other fried herbs, such as sage or thyme, for a more complex garnish.
Try frying parsley in different oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil, for a unique taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry the parsley before frying to remove any dirt or debris.

- Use a deep pan and heat the oil to the correct temperature to ensure that the parsley fries evenly and crisps up nicely.

- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying the parsley, as this can cause it to steam instead of fry.

- Drain the fried parsley well on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Fried parsley can be served as a garnish on top of grilled or roasted meats, seafood, or vegetables. It can also be sprinkled over soups, salads, or pasta dishes for added crunch and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Frying parsley involves quickly submerging the herb in hot oil until it becomes crispy and fragrant. This technique helps to preserve the parsley's bright green color and fresh flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have parsley on hand, you can try frying other herbs, such as cilantro, basil, or mint, using the same technique.

Make Ahead Tips

Fried parsley is best served fresh, but you can prepare it in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the fried parsley in a small pile on top of your dish to create an elegant and eye-catching presentation. You can also sprinkle it around the edges of the plate for a more decorative touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Fried parsley pairs well with dishes that have a mild flavor, such as white fish, chicken, or pasta. It can also complement rich and savory dishes, such as beef stew or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fried parsley in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. To reheat, place the parsley in a low heat oven for a few minutes until it becomes crispy again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried parsley contains approximately 10 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of fried parsley contains approximately 1 gram of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of fried parsley contains approximately 1 gram of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of fried parsley contains approximately 0 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Fried parsley is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It also contains small amounts of calcium, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Fried parsley is a gluten-free and dairy-free recipe. However, it may contain allergens if cooked in oil that has been used to fry other foods.

Summary

Fried parsley is a low-calorie, low-fat garnish that adds flavor and texture to dishes without adding a significant amount of carbohydrates or protein.

Summary

Fried parsley is a simple yet delicious garnish that can elevate the flavor and presentation of your dishes. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a crispy and flavorful addition to your meals that is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a chilly autumn day, and I had just returned from visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins. She had prepared a delicious meal for us, and as we sat at her kitchen table chatting, I couldn't help but notice the fragrant aroma of something frying in the background.

Curious, I asked Mrs. Jenkins what she was cooking, and she smiled mischievously before revealing her secret – fried parsley. I had never heard of such a thing before, but she assured me it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations.

Intrigued, I watched as Mrs. Jenkins carefully dipped the fresh parsley leaves into a light batter and then fried them until they were crispy and golden brown. The finished dish was garnished with a sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice, and when I took my first bite, I was amazed at the burst of flavor that exploded in my mouth.

I begged Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me. As I scribbled down the ingredients and instructions in my notebook, I knew that this would become a favorite in my own kitchen.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to try out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the necessary ingredients – fresh parsley, flour, eggs, salt, pepper, and lemon – and set to work in my own kitchen.

As I dipped the parsley leaves into the batter and lowered them into the hot oil, I felt a sense of excitement and anticipation. The sizzling sound of the frying parsley filled the air, and the smell that wafted from the skillet was simply intoxicating.

After a few minutes, the parsley turned a beautiful shade of golden brown, and I carefully removed them from the oil and placed them on a paper towel to drain. I sprinkled them with a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, just as Mrs. Jenkins had done.

As I took my first bite of the fried parsley, I closed my eyes and savored the explosion of flavors on my tongue. The crispiness of the batter, the earthy freshness of the parsley, the tanginess of the lemon – it was a symphony of tastes that danced on my palate.

From that day on, fried parsley became a staple in my kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply as a special treat for myself. Each time I prepared it, I would think back to that chilly autumn day when Mrs. Jenkins had shared her secret recipe with me, and I would smile at the memory.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding a dash of garlic powder or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. But the essence of the dish remains the same – simple, wholesome, and utterly delicious.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day when I first discovered the joys of fried parsley, I am filled with gratitude for Mrs. Jenkins and her generosity in sharing her family recipe with me. It is a reminder that the best recipes are not just about the ingredients – they are also about the stories and memories that accompany them.

I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will sit at my kitchen table, savoring the taste of fried parsley and listening to the tale of how their dear old grandmother learned to make it all those years ago. And perhaps, they too will be inspired to create their own culinary masterpieces, steeped in love, tradition, and a dash of nostalgia.