Fresh Sage Fried in Batter...Salvia Fritta in Pastella

Fried Sage Leaves

Italian cooks bring delightful appetizers and snacks to the table by battering-up and frying most anything edible from the garden. Some of my favorites are zucchini flowers, sambuca blossoms, wisteria blooms and sage leaves. Since sage is the most common garden plant on my list I thought I'd share this Salvia Fritta in Pastella recipe with you. It's easy to prepare and makes a delicious snack, appertizer or side-dish. Buon Appetito!

Fresh Sage Leaves Fried in Batter (Salvia Fritta in Pastella)

·       2 dozen fresh large sage leaves

·       100 grams or ½ cup Flour

·       125 ml or ½ cup cold beer or sparkling water

Garden Sage

·       Salt to taste

·       1 egg white

·       1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

·       Peanut or corn oil for frying

Place the flour in a bowl, add the cold beer (or sparkling water) and mix well with an egg beater; mix in salt and olive oil. After having obtained a smooth consistency cover the bowl with a dish towel and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

 

Wash the sage leaves and pat dry. After the flour mixture has set for 30 minutes, whip egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff and delicately blend them into the flour mixture.

 

Dip the sage leaves one by one in the mix and fry them on both sides in abundant hot oil until the leaves turn golden brown. Remove them from the oil and place them on a platter lined with paper towels. Salt to flavor and serve immediately.