1. Prepare the Cabbage:
- Shred or finely chop the cabbage. You can use a box grater, a food processor, or a sharp knife for this task.
- Place the shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with a bit of salt. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
- After 15 minutes, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cabbage using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
2. Make the Fritter Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill (if using).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using) until well combined.
- Pour the egg mixture over the cabbage mixture and mix until everything is evenly coated.
3. Cook the Fritters:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cabbage mixture into the hot skillet, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form fritters. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the fritters are golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to avoid burning.
- Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Prepare the Sour Cream and Dill Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, chopped dill, lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Serve:
- Serve the warm cabbage fritters with a generous dollop of the sour cream and dill sauce on the side.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Crispy Texture: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cabbage to ensure crispy fritters.
- Uniform Size: Try to make the fritters uniform in size to ensure even cooking.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters to avoid sogginess. Test by dropping a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.
Conclusion: Cabbage fritters with sour cream and dill offer a delicious blend of crispy texture and savory flavors. This recipe is easy to prepare, and the combination of fresh dill and creamy sour cream elevates the fritters to a whole new level. Enjoy these fritters as a satisfying snack, a tasty side dish, or a light meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table!