Pineapple Fries

INGREDIENTS

– 1 ripe but firm pineapple
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
– Vegetable oil (for frying)

DIRECTIONS

1. Peel and slice the pineapple: Start by cutting off the top and bottom of the pineapple. Stand it upright and use a sharp knife to cut away the skin, following the natural curves of the fruit. Once peeled, lay the pineapple on its side and cut it into thin slices, resembling the shape of French fries. Remove the core from each slice.

2. Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the cold sparkling water or club soda while whisking until you get a smooth, lump-free batter.

3. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or a deep fryer. Heat the oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use enough oil to submerge the pineapple slices during frying.

4. Dip and fry: Dip each pineapple slice into the batter, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Carefully place the battered pineapple slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the pineapple slices in batches, if necessary, to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.

5. Fry until golden brown: Fry the pineapple slices for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn a golden brown color. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fries from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

6. Serve and enjoy: Once all the pineapple fries are fried and drained, serve them immediately while they’re still hot. You can enjoy them as they are or serve them with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as sweet chili sauce or a coconut-lime dip.