Crispy Leftover Pasta Fritters

 

A sensational way to turn dull, dried-up leftover pasta into something ridiculously delicious. You can use any type of pasta to make these. This is a quick and easy meal that will take you about 15 minutes to make 12 fritters if you use a large fry pan to cook them in two batches.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cold leftover pasta (sauce and pasta mixed together)
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups breadcrumbs (I used panko)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional, e.g., cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Chop the Pasta: Roughly chop the leftover pasta into smaller pieces using kitchen scissors or a knife. This helps the fritters hold together better.
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped pasta, eggs, 3/4 cup of breadcrumbs, and cheese (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
   • Note: The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together when shaped. If it's too loose, add more breadcrumbs, up to 1 1/4 cups.
3. Form the Fritters: Scoop about 1/3 cup of the mixture and shape it into a ball. Flatten it slightly to form a fritter about 1 cm (2/5 inch) thick. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
4. Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large fry pan over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the Fritters: Place the fritters in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side or until golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 1-1.5 minutes until the second side is golden.
6. Drain and Repeat: Remove the cooked fritters and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining mixture, adding more oil to the pan if needed.
7. Serve: Serve the fritters hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Recipe Notes:

• Using Fresh Pasta: If using freshly made pasta, increase the egg to 1 egg per cup of pasta and add more panko (about 50% extra) to help bind the mixture.
• Cheese Options: You can use any melting cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere. If using Parmesan, use a smaller amount since its flavor is more intense.
• Freezing: These fritters freeze well. Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container and freeze. Reheat in the oven for best results to restore their crispiness.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximately 1 fritter):

• Calories: 168 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 22.5g
• Protein: 6.6g
• Fat: 5.7g
• Saturated Fat: 1.7g
• Cholesterol: 56mg
• Sodium: 97mg
• Potassium: 85mg
• Sugar: 0.5g
• Vitamin A: 100 IU
• Calcium: 60mg
• Iron: 1.6mg

Enjoy these crispy, cheesy fritters as a snack, appetizer, or even a fun twist on your pasta leftovers!