Pumpkin Fritters (picarones De Zapallo)

Pumpkin fritters, known as Picarones de Zapallo, are a popular Peruvian dessert made with pumpkin and sweet potato. These delicious fritters are typically served with a sweet syrup flavored with cinnamon and cloves.

Pumpkin Fritters (picarones De Zapallo)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pumpkin, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup sweet potato, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, boil the pumpkin and sweet potato until tender. Drain and mash them together in a bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Add this dry mixture to the mashed pumpkin and sweet potato, and mix until well combined.
  3. In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to make the syrup.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan. Drop spoonfuls of the pumpkin mixture into the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
  5. Remove the fritters from the oil and drain on paper towels.
  6. Serve the fritters with the warm syrup for dipping.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
20 minutes
Total time:
40 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
150 per serving
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
3g
Protein
2g

Supplies

Large pot Bowl Saucepan Deep pan for frying Paper towels

Tools

Spoon Masher Knife Measuring cups and spoons

Serving suggestions

Serve the pumpkin fritters warm with a drizzle of the syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top.

Tips & tricks

For a twist, you can add a splash of vanilla extract to the syrup for extra flavor.

Cost

$8