Description
Craving a fresh, flavorful dish that celebrates summer’s bounty? This Corn Fritter Caprese with Peaches and Tomatoes is your perfect choice! Featuring golden corn fritters packed with fresh corn, scallions, herbs, and cheesy mozzarella, paired with juicy peaches, ripe tomatoes, and creamy fresh mozzarella, this dish is a delightful blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors
Ingredients
Corn Fritters
- Scallions (1 bunch, thinly sliced): Add mild, oniony crunch.
- Fresh Corn Kernels (3 cups, ~4 ears): Provide sweet, summery flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Infuses vibrant, herbaceous notes.
- Fresh Basil (2 Tbsp, chopped): Brings aromatic, summery flavor.
- Kosher Salt (¾ tsp): Enhances flavor balance.
- Black Pepper (1 tsp, freshly ground): Adds mild heat.
- Crushed Red-Pepper Flakes (½ tsp): Provides subtle spicy kick.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the fritter base.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Ensures light, fluffy fritters.
- Large Eggs (2, whisked): Bind the batter.
- Half-and-Half (¼ cup): Adds creamy richness.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Offers melty, cheesy texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup): Adds nutty, savory depth.
- Vegetable Oil (3 Tbsp): For frying crispy fritters.
Assembly
- Tomatoes (3, thickly sliced): Provide juicy, tangy flavor.
- Peaches (4, thickly sliced): Add sweet, summery juiciness.
- Fresh Mozzarella (12 oz, thickly sliced): Offers creamy, rich texture.
- Basil Leaves (½ cup, roughly torn): Infuses fresh, aromatic flavor.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (as needed): Enhances richness and shine.
- Flaky Sea Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balance and elevate flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
- Corn: Use frozen or canned corn (drained) if fresh is unavailable.
- All-Purpose Flour: Swap with gluten-free flour or almond flour for keto (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Half-and-Half: Replace with whole milk, cream, or plant-based milk for vegan.
- Mozzarella/Parmesan: Swap with cheddar or nutritional yeast for vegan.
- Peaches: Use nectarines, mangoes, or omit for keto.
- Keto Adjustment: Use almond flour, omit peaches, and reduce corn to ½ cup or use cauliflower (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free flour; ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Swap eggs with flax eggs (2 Tbsp flaxseed meal + 5 Tbsp water), half-and-half with plant-based milk, and cheeses with vegan alternatives.
- Spicy Version: Increase red-pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add a sliced jalapeño to the fritters.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fritter Batter
- In a large bowl, toss 1 bunch thinly sliced scallions, 3 cups fresh corn kernels, ¼ cup chopped parsley, 2 Tbsp chopped basil, ¾ tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp red-pepper flakes.
- Add 1 cup all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking powder; toss until well combined.
- Add 2 whisked eggs and ¼ cup half-and-half; mix with a spatula until a thick batter forms.
- Fold in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ⅓ cup grated Parmesan.
Tip: Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter; ensure corn is fresh for the best flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Fritters
- Heat 3 Tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
- When oil is hot, scoop ¼-cup portions of batter into the skillet, working in batches to avoid crowding.
- Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side, flipping once.
- Transfer fritters to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all batter is used.
Tip: Keep oil at medium heat for even browning; don’t overcrowd the skillet to maintain crispiness.
Step 3: Assemble the Caprese
- On a large platter, arrange cooked corn fritters, 3 thickly sliced tomatoes, 4 thickly sliced peaches, and 12 oz thickly sliced fresh mozzarella.
- Sprinkle ½ cup roughly torn basil leaves evenly over the top.
- Drizzle generously with extra-virgin olive oil and season with flaky sea salt and black pepper.
Tip: Slice peaches and tomatoes evenly for a balanced presentation; assemble just before serving to keep fritters crisp.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavors.
Tip: Offer extra olive oil and salt on the side for customization; serve at room temperature for a summery vibe.