How about transforming simple ingredients that are often forgotten in the fridge into a delicious and sustainable dish? Tempura is a practical recipe that not only delights with its flavor, but also with the concept of recycling in the kitchen. Let's explore how this recipe can be a great way to use up leftovers, contributing to the environment without giving up the pleasure of eating at the table.
Ingredients for Tempura
The list of tempura ingredients is pretty straightforward, and many of them are items we already have at home. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
Mass:
- 1 cup (tea) of wheat flour
- 1 cup (tea) of iced water
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Filling:
- 1 clove of garlic
- ½ chopped tomato
- ½ chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon parsley stalks
- 2 tablespoons of broccoli stalks or carrot tops
- 1 saucer of chopped cabbage
- Salt to taste
These ingredients are simple, but that's where the magic of fake tempura lies. The combination of these basic elements results in a tasty and crunchy dish that makes the most of ingredients that would otherwise be thrown away, promoting conscious recycling.
Preparing the Tempura Filling
The first step in making mock tempura is the filling. The combination of garlic, tomatoes, onions, and various stems adds a unique flavor to the dish. Using parsley stems, broccoli, or even carrot tops not only enriches the flavor, but also adds an interesting texture and helps prevent food waste.
To prepare the filling, sauté all the ingredients in a pan until they are completely dry. This is important so that the filling does not over-moisten the tempura batter, keeping it crispy and tasty after frying. After sautéing, set the filling aside and let it cool a little before mixing it into the batter.
Preparing the Dough
While the filling is cooling, you can start preparing the tempura batter. This is a simple batter, but it guarantees the crunchiness typical of this dish. The key here is to use ice water, which helps create a light and airy texture.
Mix the wheat flour, cornstarch, salt and cold water until you get a smooth dough. It is important not to mix the dough too much so that it does not become heavy. Finally, add the baking powder, which will ensure that the tempura rises and becomes even crispier when fried.
Assembly and Frying
With the filling ready and the batter prepared, it’s time to combine the two. Mix the filling into the batter, making sure all the ingredients are well incorporated. This step is crucial to ensure that the tempura has a good distribution of filling in each portion.
Heat the oil in a deep frying pan and, using a spoon, drop small portions of the mixture into the hot oil. Fry until the mock tempura is golden brown and crispy on the outside. Then, drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil.
The Importance of Recycling in the Kitchen
Mock tempura is more than just a delicious recipe; it’s a practical example of how recycling in the kitchen can be both tasty and affordable. By using stems and branches that are often discarded, you not only reduce waste, but also make the most of the nutrients in your food.
Recycling food is a practice that we can all adopt in our daily lives. It contributes to preserving the environment, while also promoting a richer and more varied diet. Vegetable tempura is proof that with creativity and awareness, we can transform leftovers into incredible dishes.
Tips
One of the great advantages of fake tempura is its versatility. You can adapt the recipe according to the ingredients you have at home, or experiment with new flavor combinations. Here are some tips to customize your fake tempura:
- Variety of Vegetables: In addition to parsley stalks, broccoli, and carrot tops, you can add other chopped vegetables, such as zucchini, grated carrots, or even cauliflower. This adds more color and nutrients to the dish.
- Herbs and Spices: Try adding fresh herbs to the batter, such as chives, basil, or cilantro. This will add a refreshing, aromatic touch to your mock tempura batter.
- Accompanying Sauces: Serve the mock tempura with different dipping sauces. Soy sauce, sweet and sour sauce, or even garlic cream are great options to complement the flavor.
A Dish that Combines Flavor and Sustainability
Fake tempura is a recipe that shows how we can combine flavor and sustainability in the kitchen. By making full use of food and reducing waste, you contribute to a healthier environment and still enjoy a crispy and tasty dish.
Plus, by preparing this recipe, you can involve the whole family in the process, teaching them about the importance of recycling and making the most of food. It’s a fun and educational way to promote more conscious eating habits.
Learn how to make other arts by recycling, Click here.
Check out interesting facts about recycling clicking here.
