Cuban Corn Fitters (Frituras de Maiz)

CUBAN CORN FRITTERS (Frituras de Maiz) 

2 cups fresh corn kernels (frozen is also fine), divided
½ cup medium-coarse cornmeal
½ yellow onion, finely chopped
1 egg
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ red bell pepper, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Vegetable oil for frying

Sweet chili sauce for serving (optional)

1. Combine 1 ½ cups of the corn kernels with the cornmeal, onion, egg, sugar, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse to just blend. The batter should still be slightly chunky. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl and stir in the remaining ½ cup corn, flour, red pepper, and parsley. 

2. Heat about 4 inches of oil in a large, heavy pot over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 375°F. Gently drop the batter by tablespoonfuls into the hot oil, do not overcrowd or the oil temperature will get too low. Fry for about 5 minutes, rotating occasionally, until cooked through.

3. Remove with a slotted spoon and sprinkle with extra salt while still hot. 

From ¡cuba! Recipes and Stories from the Cuban Kitchen by Dan Goldberg, Andrea Kuhn, and Jody Eddy