Dive into the cozy flavors of South Africa with Pumpkin Fritters, or Pampoenkoekies—a beloved treat perfect for any time of day! These golden-brown fritters are made with tender mashed pumpkin, delicately spiced with cinnamon, and lightly sweetened to create the ideal balance of flavor. The batter comes together quickly with simple pantry staples, and each fritter is fried to crispy perfection while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Enjoy them warm and freshly dusted with powdered sugar for a decadent snack, a comforting side dish, or even as a unique dessert. Easy to prepare and bursting with autumnal charm, Pumpkin Fritters Pampoenkoekies are a must-try for pumpkin lovers looking to savor a taste of tradition.
Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and cut into cubes. Boil the pumpkin in salted water for about 12-15 minutes until soft. Drain well and mash until smooth. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the cooled mashed pumpkin, egg, and milk until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing—the batter should be thick but smooth.
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the pan; it should sizzle immediately.
Scoop spoonfuls of batter (about 2 tablespoons each) into the hot oil, shaping them into small rounds. Fry 3-4 fritters at a time to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Cook each fritter for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Repeat with the remaining batter, maintaining the oil temperature as you fry.
Optional: Dust the fritters with powdered sugar before serving for a sweet touch. Serve warm as a snack, side dish, or dessert.
Calories |
3158 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 260.7 g | 334% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.0 g | 195% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 225 mg | 75% | |
| Sodium | 1180 mg | 51% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 211.8 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 97.4 g | ||
| Protein | 26.2 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 250 mg | 19% | |
| Iron | 10.7 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 2007 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.