Black Pudding Fritters

Since there has been farming, there has been black pudding. Without the luxury of abundance, blood – in whatever form – is as vital to the nose-to-tail approach as the rump. And while I’m not going to pretend to find the Maasai practice of drinking blood from cattle enticing, black pudding fritters are another prospect entirely.

Black pudding is, of course, delicious fried on its own. If you haven’t yet tried it – perhaps you’re too squeamish – the flavour possessed by black pudding is truly surprising. Subtly spicy, this British blood sausage is more delicate in flavour than its name would suggest, and certainly lighter.

It’s often touted as something of a winter warmer, but don’t believe it; black pudding is worthy of year round attention. The best thing? At £4.35/kg It’s incredibly inexpensive, yet absolutely deserving of that spotlight that so few are willing to shine upon it. But hide the delicate batter of your black pudding fritters at your peril.

You’ll already know, of course, how simple it is to fritter just about anything – even time. Don’t worry. Nothing has changed. Your fritters will be ready to eat in just a few short minutes. This recipe is as simple as it comes.

Black Pudding Fritters

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of black pudding (1-2cm thick)
• 2 tbsp self-raising flour
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• ¼ tsp chilli powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Carbonated water
• Sunflower oil, for frying
• Fried mushrooms and an egg, to serve (optional)

Method:

1. Mix together the flour, turmeric, chilli powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Using a whisk, mix in enough carbonated water to yield a stiff batter, thick enough to generously coat each slice of black pudding.
2. Using a small heavy-based pan, heat enough sunflower oil to cover its base. Coat each slice of black pudding in the batter and fry gently over a medium heat for 4-6 minutes, until golden brown.
3. If serving with mushrooms and an egg, these should be cooked in a separate pan at the same time as the black pudding fritters and served together.

Cost: Weighing in at around 60g, each slice of black pudding (plenty for breakfast) costs in the region of 25p. That’s cheap by anyone’s standards, but don’t be put off; this is quality food. The entire breakfast for two? An impressive £1.20.