Vegetable Tempura with Avocado Cream

Vegetable tempura is a light and airy way to enjoy your favorite vegetables. The batter is made with all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, and is then mixed with sparkling water to create a light and crispy crust. The vegetables are dipped in the batter and then fried in hot oil until golden brown. The tempura is served with a creamy avocado sauce made with avocado, sour cream, cilantro, salt, and black pepper.

Tempura is a Japanese cooking technique that involves frying vegetables or seafood in a light batter. The batter is made with wheat flour, water, and eggs, and is often seasoned with salt and pepper. The vegetables or seafood are dipped in the batter and then fried in hot oil until golden brown. Tempura is a popular dish in Japan, and is often served with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, mirin, and sake.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup sparkling water
• 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 avocado, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add the sparkling water and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
3. Heat the oil in a large saucepan or deep fryer to 350 degrees F.
4. Dip the vegetables in the batter and carefully add them to the hot oil.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Drain the vegetables on paper towels.
7. In a small bowl, mash the avocado with a fork.
8. Add the sour cream, cilantro, salt, and black pepper and stir until combined.

Why It Works

• The use of sparkling water in the batter creates a light and airy crust.
• Frying the vegetables in hot oil until golden brown ensures that they are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.
• The avocado sauce is a creamy and flavorful complement to the tempura.