Crispy Pea Fritters

# Crispy Pea Fritters Party appetizer? Light lunch? Snack? These crisp, crunchy fritters have you covered. Yield: Serves 4 to 6 (Makes about 18 fritters) Total time: 40 minutes ## Ingredients - 2½ ounces Pecorino Romano cheese, cut into rough 1-inch chunks - 1 pound frozen peas, thawed, divided - 1 large egg, lightly beaten - 3 garlic cloves, chopped - 1½ teaspoons red pepper flakes - 1 teaspoon table salt - ¾ teaspoon pepper - ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro - 4 scallions, sliced thin - ⅓ cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup peanut or vegetable oil for frying ## Instructions 1. Process Pecorino in food processor until finely ground, about 30 seconds. Add 1½ cups peas, egg, garlic, pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to food processor. Process to coarse puree, about 10 seconds, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. 2. Add cilantro, scallions, flour, and remaining peas. Pulse until just combined, about 4 pulses, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. 3. Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet and line half of rack with triple layer of paper towels. Heat oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Carefully place nine 2-tablespoon portions of batter into skillet, then press each portion into approximate 2-inch disk (about ½ inch thick) with back of dinner spoon. 4. Fry until deep golden brown on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer fritters to paper towel–lined side of prepared rack, let drain for 15 seconds on each side, then move to unlined side of rack. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve warm.