Foglie di Salvia Fritte in Pastella (Fried Sage Leaves in Batter)

This is an excellent appetizer or a cocktail treat to enjoy with a glass of prosecco. Fried sage in batter is a crispy, easy and tasty goody to prepare at the last minute for your family and friends. I usually prepare it in summer with fresh and flavorful sage from the plant on my balcony. For this recipe I use new, big and tender leaves with the stem. You need only a few basic ingredients: sage, flour, beer (I recommend light beer) and salt. Sage is a common ingredient used in the Italian culinary tradition; we use it, for example, in roast meat, fish and stuffing for poultry. I love it when preparing sauce for pasta, gnocchi and ravioli. Butter and sage make an appetizing and flavorful condiment. In addition sage has also a long history of medical use and it is an ornamental garden plant too. Current studies have demonstrated that sage extract can enhance cognitive performance, a similar effect found in coffee and tea.

FOGLIE DI SALVIA FRITTE IN PASTELLA (FRIED SAGE LEAVES IN BATTER)

Preparation time: 15 minutes                     Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

20 large sage leaves with the stem
130 g (hipping 2/3 cup) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon sugar
180 ml (¾ cup) cold light beer
1 pinch salt
Peanut oil for frying

DIRECTIONS

1. Rinse the sage leaves under cold water and pat dry with paper towels
2. Pour the flour into a bowl, add the sugar and mix well
3. Add the beer and gently mix with a spoon until a smooth batter forms
4. Add a pinch of salt
5. Heat the oil in a heavy pan to 175° C (350°F). Once it is hot, holding the stem, dip each leaf into the batter and then drop into the oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides
6. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain, and season with a little bit of salt. Serve immediately while still warm. – Paola