Peixinhos da Horta (Portuguese Fried Green Beans)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Green Beans (trimmed)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 0.25 cup Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 cup Sparkling Water (cold)
• Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. 1In a large bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of All-Purpose Flour, 0.25 cup of Cornstarch, 1 tsp of Baking Powder, 0.5 tsp of Salt, and 0.25 tsp of Black Pepper until well combined.
2. 2Gradually add the 1 cup of cold Sparkling Water to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until you have a smooth batter with no lumps. Be careful not to overmix.
3. 3Pour enough Vegetable Oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot to reach a depth of about 3 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. 4Take a few of the trimmed 1 lb of Green Beans at a time and dip them into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated on all sides.
5. 5Carefully place the battered green beans into the hot oil, frying them in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and appear crispy.
6. 6Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried green beans from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
7. 7Serve the Peixinhos da Horta immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

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