Fried Sage Leaves (Salvia Fritta)

Yield: 18-24 sage leaves

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) flour
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 1 cup (240 ml) sparkling wine (or substitute with sparkling water)
• 18-24 large, fresh sage leaves (cleaned and dried)
• 2 cups (470 ml) frying oil

Method:

Heat oil in a frying pan with high sides to 350 F (175 C).

In a bowl, sift together the flour and salt.

In a separate bowl, combine water and sparkling wine.

Slowly add water and sparkling wine into the flour mixture, stirring constantly, until you reach a thin, creamy consistency.

Working in batches, dip sage leaves in batter, then add to frying pan, making sure to submerge them in the oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Fry about 1 minute, turning as needed, until the leaves are light golden and crispy, then remove and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

Serve on top of Many Mushroom Soup (see recipe).

Buon appetito!