Afrikaner CuisineDessertsDurban Indian

Pumpkin Fritters

Make authentic Pumpkin Fritters with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

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By DenisiyaPublished on April 23, 2018
Pumpkin Fritters
⏱️
Prep Time15 mins
🍳
Cook Time4 mins
⌛
Total Time19 mins
🍽️
ServingsMakes 30 Fritters
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This Recipe Makes ± 30 Fritters

Pumpkin Fritters are a heavenly snack or dessert. These sweet & savoury treats are also known to many South Africans as Pampoen Koekies which is the Afrikaans word for Pumpkin Fritters.

A fritter is basically a portion of batter that is fried. Fritters can be filled with a variety of things. They are prepared in both sweet & savory varieties.

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Ingredients

Scale:
Base Yield: Makes 30 Fritters
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Step-by-Step Instructions

20 Steps
  1. Step 1

    For this recipe I have used butternut instead of pumpkin.

    Step 1 visual guide
  2. Step 2

    Carefully cut off the peel of either the butternut or pumpkin & then chop the flesh into small cubes. You just need 2 cups for this recipe, the remaining cubes can be frozen & used for another time or another recipe that requires butternut or pumpkin, eg. Pumpkin Curry or Fried Butternut.

    Step 2 visual guide
  3. Step 3

    Place the fleshy cubes into a medium sized pot.

    Step 3 visual guide
  4. Step 4

    Fill the pot with some water & bring the butternut/pumpkin to a boil. Boil until the pumpkin/butternut is soft – test by poking it with a fork or a knife, it should slide through easily.

    Step 4 visual guide
  5. Step 5

    Once the butternut/pumpkin is cooked, drain in a strainer to remove any excess water.

    Step 5 visual guide
  6. Step 6

    Once drained, transfer to a bowl & using a fork or a masher, mash up the butternut/pumpkin.

    Step 6 visual guide
  7. Step 7

    Thereafter, add in the brown sugar.

    Step 7 visual guide
  8. Step 8

    Mix well.

    Step 8 visual guide
  9. Step 9

    Then add in the baking powder, elachi (cardamom) powder, cinnamon powder & vanilla essence.

    Step 9 visual guide
  10. Step 10

    Thereafter, drop in the flour.

    Step 10 visual guide
  11. Step 11

    Roughly mix together.

    Step 11 visual guide
  12. Step 12

    Lastly, pour in the milk.

    Step 12 visual guide
  13. Step 13

    Combine to form a batter. If the batter is too weak, simply add in more flour & if the batter is too thick just add in more milk.

    Step 13 visual guide
  14. Step 14

    Heat some vegetable oil in a small deep pot.

  15. Step 15

    Test the heat of the oil by dropping in a little batter, if it sizzles then the oil is hot enough to begin frying the fritters.

  16. Step 16

    Using your hand, grab a little batter & carefully drop in balls of the batter into the hot oil. You can also use a tablespoon but this might not allow it to form a rounded shape.

    Step 16 visual guide
  17. Step 17

    Fry the fritters on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden.

    Step 17 visual guide
  18. Step 18

    Once they are fried, remove & place on paper towels to remove excess oil.

    Step 18 visual guide
  19. Step 19

    Serve hot as is or enjoy by rolling them in cinnamon sugar mix or a delicious caramel sauce.

    Step 19 visual guide
  20. Step 20

    It’s best to finish these Pumpkin Fritters once fried because when kept away they tend to get soft & soggy.

    Step 20 visual guide
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Frequently Asked Questions & Cooking Tips

Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Pumpkin Fritters

How should I store Pumpkin Fritters to maintain freshness?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 to 2 weeks. For milk-based sweetmeats like burfee or soji, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 7 to 10 days.

Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?

Pure butter or ghee provides the authentic rich aroma and texture characteristic of traditional Indian sweetmeats and bakes. Margarine can be used in a pinch, but butter delivers superior flavor.

Denisiya - Founder & Chef at EatMee Recipes
About the Creator

Meet Denisiya

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.

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