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Fritters Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fritters

[หˆfrษชtษ™rz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dessert

Fritters are small pieces of food that have been coated in batter and deep-fried. They can be sweet or savory, and are often served as a dessert or snack.

Synonyms

battered food, deep-fried snack.

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Word Description / Examples
fritters

Fritters typically refer to small pieces of food that are dipped in a batter and fried. They can feature sweet or savory ingredients.

  • Apple fritters are a delicious treat for breakfast
  • Corn fritters are often served as a side dish
deep-fried snack

A deep-fried snack encompasses any small, fried food item that is usually eaten between meals. This could include sweet or savory snacks.

  • Churros are a deep-fried snack often enjoyed with chocolate sauce
  • Deep-fried pickles are becoming a trendy appetizer
battered food

Battered food describes various items coated in batter before frying. This term is more general than 'fritters' and can include a wide range of foods.

  • Fish and chips is a classic example of battered food
  • Tempura vegetables are popular in Japanese cuisine

Examples of usage

  • Mom made apple fritters for dessert.
  • The street vendor sold delicious banana fritters.
Context #2 | Noun

food

A fritter can also refer to a small cake made with fruit, meat, or vegetables that are mixed with batter and fried.

Synonyms

fried cake, patty.

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Word Description / Examples
fritters

Used in a similar manner to the first context mentioned for 'fritters', describing small, deep-fried food items with batter.

  • Zucchini fritters are a popular summer dish.
  • Carrot fritters are a perfect snack for kids.
fried cake

Commonly refers to a sweet, deep-fried dough similar to doughnuts, but can also refer to other sweet fried treats. Often enjoyed for dessert or as a sweet treat.

  • The bakery specializes in delicious fried cakes.
  • She couldn't resist the smell of hot fried cakes at the fair.
patty

Refers to a small, flattened cake of ground meat, vegetables, or legumes that is often pan-fried or grilled. Commonly used in sandwiches, burgers, or as a side dish.

  • She prepared a delicious chickpea patty for lunch.
  • He loves adding an extra patty to his burger.

Examples of usage

  • She ordered a plate of shrimp fritters at the restaurant.
  • The corn fritters were a hit at the party.
Context #3 | Verb

cooking

To fritter means to waste time, money, or energy on trivial matters or activities.

Synonyms

squander, waste.

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Word Description / Examples
fritters

Used to describe spending small amounts of time, money, or energy on unimportant things. It often implies that something more valuable could have been done instead. It has a slightly negative connotation.

  • She fritters away her afternoon scrolling through social media instead of studying.
  • They fritter their money on trinkets and gadgets.

Examples of usage

  • Don't fritter away your time on meaningless tasks.
  • She frittered her savings on unnecessary purchases.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary History

  • Fritters have been enjoyed since ancient times, with early versions made in ancient Rome and Greece.
  • In the Middle Ages, fritters were filled with meats or vegetables, demonstrating the versatility of this dish.
  • Different cultures have unique fritter recipes, such as the French 'beignets' or the Indian 'pakoras.'

Cultural Significance

  • Fritters often appear at festive gatherings and fairs, symbolizing celebration and indulgence.
  • In some cultures, like in the Caribbean, fritters are integral to street food scenes, showcasing local ingredients and flavors.
  • In New Orleans, fritters are part of the famous Mardi Gras celebrations, reflecting the city's vibrant food culture.

Science of Cooking

  • The frying process creates a Maillard reaction, causing the outside of fritters to brown and become crispy while keeping the inside moist and flavorful.
  • Temperature control is crucial; too hot can burn them, while too cool leads to sogginess.
  • Incorporating air into the batter can make fritters lighter and fluffier when fried.

Variations Around the World

  • In Japan, 'tempura' showcases intricately fried vegetables and seafood, representing a refined fritter style.
  • The Latin American 'buรฑuelo' is a sweet fritter often enjoyed during holidays and celebrations.
  • 'Zucchini fritters' are a popular vegetarian version made by mixing zucchini with a flavored batter.

Nutritional Aspects

  • While fritters can be delicious, they are often high in calories due to frying, making balance important in a diet.
  • By baking or air-frying, we can enjoy a healthier version of this treat while still retaining flavor.
  • Using whole grains or incorporating vegetables can enhance the nutritional profile of fritters.

Origin of 'fritters'

The word 'fritter' originated from the Old French word 'friture', which means 'a piece of fried food'. It first appeared in English in the 14th century. Fritters have been a popular dish in many cultures throughout history, with variations made using different ingredients and cooking methods.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,250 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.