Description
These Leftover Pasta Fritters are a delightful and inventive way to transform cold, sauced pasta into crispy, golden patties that make a perfect snack or appetizer. Combining simple ingredients like eggs, breadcrumbs, and optional cheese, they are pan-fried to perfection, resulting in a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Quick to prepare and cook, they utilize leftovers without compromising on flavor, garnished optionally with fresh parsley and Parmesan for an extra touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups (packed) cold leftover pasta (sauce and pasta mixed together), packed
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 to 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Chop the pasta: Roughly chop the cold leftover pasta using scissors or a knife to make it easier to mix and shape.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, add the eggs, starting with 3/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs, and optional grated cheese to the chopped pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until combined.
- Test mixture consistency: Scoop a small portion and flatten it to test if it holds together. If it’s too loose, add more panko breadcrumbs gradually until the mixture binds well.
- Heat oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat to prepare for frying.
- Form and shape fritters: Scoop a level 1/3 cup of the mixture, packing it firmly, then place it in the hot pan. Use the bottom of the cup to pat it into about 1 cm (2/5 inch) thickness. Repeat the process to fill the pan without overcrowding.
- Fry the fritters: Cook for about 2 minutes on the first side until dark brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes until equally crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove cooked fritters from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the fritters immediately, optionally garnishing with finely chopped parsley leaves and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Note 1: Using pasta with sauce helps bind the fritters, but be sure it is well chilled and packed.
- Note 2: Cheese is optional, but it adds extra flavor and helps with binding.
- Note 3: The amount of breadcrumbs may vary depending on the moisture content of the pasta.
