Autumn Delicacy! Sweet and Savory Old Pumpkin Fritters (Hobakjeon) Recipe
The Best Fritters Made with Autumn’s Signature Old Pumpkin
As the crisp autumn air arrives, so do the wonderfully sweet old pumpkins, perfect for making the most delicious fritters! This recipe introduces ‘Hobakjeon’ (Old Pumpkin Fritters), a dish so savory and sweet that it’s loved by everyone, from children to adults. Enjoy this simple yet delightful autumn treat that brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Main Ingredients
- Shredded old pumpkin 850g
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
Seasoning & Batter
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 3.5 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- 3.5 Tbsp granulated sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the old pumpkin thoroughly, remove the outer skin, scoop out the seeds, and then shred it as thinly as possible, about 0.3-0.5cm thick. Thinly sliced pumpkin will result in softer and tastier fritters.
Step 2
In a bowl, place the shredded pumpkin. Add 1 tsp of coarse salt and 3.5 Tbsp of granulated sugar, then gently mix and massage them into the pumpkin. Let it sit for 15 minutes; this process draws out the moisture from the pumpkin, infusing it with natural sweetness and seasoning evenly.
Step 3
After 15 minutes, when the pumpkin has softened and released its moisture, add 1.5 cups of all-purpose flour and gently mix it with the pumpkin. Be careful not to overmix or knead it aggressively.
Step 4
Be mindful of the batter’s consistency – it shouldn’t be too wet. Usually, the moisture from the pumpkin is enough to form a batter. However, if the batter seems too thick, add a very small amount of water (about 1-2 Tbsp) to achieve the desired consistency. Since the pumpkin will release more moisture as it cooks, aiming for a slightly thick batter is ideal.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium-low heat and add a generous amount of cooking oil. Ladle the batter onto the pan, forming round, flat fritters. Cook until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Ensure they are cooked through by flipping them over. Avoid using high heat, as the outside can burn before the inside is cooked.
Step 6
These fritters are best enjoyed warm, right off the pan! Savor this sweet and savory old pumpkin treat for a delightful mealtime.
