Nancy'S Vegetable Pop-Corn
Nancy's Vegetable Popcorn offers a crispy, savory treat featuring tender fried okra, green tomatoes, and yellow squash, perfect as a snack or side dish for all occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and cut up all vegetables.
- In a small bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Put vegetables in this mixture and coat well.
- Drop coated vegetables into hot deep fryer with oil covering the vegetables.
- Cook until vegetables float to the top of the oil, indicating they are done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the vegetables. You can substitute the okra with zucchini or eggplant if desired. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. Adding a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the coating mix can elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Nancy's Vegetable Pop-Corn as a fun appetizer or a side dish alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Spanish Rice Ii for a complete meal. For a dipping sauce, try a tangy ranch or a spicy aioli to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover vegetable pop-corn in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Nancy'S Vegetable Pop-Corn contains roughly 682 calories, with 22g protein, 140g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 821mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?
Using frozen vegetables is not recommended, as they contain moisture that can affect the coating and frying process. Fresh vegetables will yield the best texture and flavor. If fresh is not available, thaw and pat dry frozen vegetables thoroughly before coating.
How do I know when the vegetables are done frying?
The vegetables are done when they float to the top of the oil and turn golden brown. This usually takes about 4-6 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces and the temperature of the oil. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the vegetables can be prepped ahead of time, it's best to fry them just before serving for optimal crispiness. You can prepare the coating mixture in advance and store it separately. Just coat and fry when you're ready to enjoy!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).