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IcI must admit that it’s difficult for me every time I pretend to eat only healthy food. As much as I advocate for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, I also enjoy indulging in delicious food occasionally that may not necessarily fall into the healthy category. For example, I love frying. To be honest, french fries are at the top of the list when beer is ordered in the pub. While I chew on them, I hear this inner voice whispering to me, ‘Come
on, one or two won’t hurt… Does this happen to you too?
ChatGPT The truth is that french fries are often too greasy and salty.
From my perspective, fries are actually a disgrace to excellent craft beer.
Great beers deserve great food. For this reason, I believe that craft beer deserves much more than just fries when I drink it!
One of the best options is the fried Fritto Misto, which I prefer to pair with a good craft beer. Der Fritto Misto ist eine Mischung aus frittiertem Gemüse, Fisch, Reisbällchen etc. ummantelt mit Mehl oder Semmelbröseln und dann in Öl frittiert. According to Italian rules, everything is to be fried in extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, or rapeseed oil. That definitely makes the fried, mixed food healthier and indeed tastier.
Beer can be fantastically combined with fried food. The beer bubbles have a refreshing effect after the crispy, greasy bite. The malty flavor of good, artisanal beer pairs perfectly with the frying coated in flour. The Pilsner is the usual, most common beer, with its pure delighting of the senses. However, there is a beer world to explore, and I have tried some craft beers that also pair very well with this appetizing food.
Every region in Italy has something special in its Fritto Misto. When they are near the sea, fish is the most likely main ingredient. Vegetables are added for a “touch of healthiness,” other special ingredients include: rice balls (e.g., Arancini), olives filled with minced meat, zucchini flowers, etc.
Rome has its own fried specialty. Romans usually enjoy it in a pizzeria, as an appetizer (antipasti), while waiting for the pizza to bake. I usually enjoy my craft beer with a Fritto Misto, then I eat my pizza, again with a good craft beer, followed by an espresso. Fortunately, craft beers are also becoming increasingly popular in Rome.
The Mixed Fried Roman-style Is an excellent appetizer or part of a tasty aperitif, with simple but delicious ingredients from the traditional Roman cuisine of fishermen and farmers. The Roman deep-fried dish is also very special because it consists of various ingredients: fish, vegetables, and the famous rice balls suppli’. It is very easy to prepare at home, no matter where you live. It is seasonal and can be prepared very inexpensively.
Fried fish combined with Pilsner and wheat.
“Calamari alla Romana” are definitely an essential choice for all Romans, and they are also widely known internationally. ProbiereTry it together with anchovies and a splash of lemon. Personally, I prefer to enjoy them in the summer when I am on the coast of Rome or by the sea. In winter, you should not miss the fried stockfish, filetto di baccalà. In any case, this one definitely has a stronger and more complex flavor than the calamari. DiesThis dish could already be a main course (secondo piatto) on its own, and Roman families enjoy it together on Christmas Eve with a selection of freshly caught fish.
ThePilsner and the wheat Are my top recommendations for pairings with pan-fried fish. DaThe Pilsner is refreshing, and its malty, slightly hoppy flavor pairs well with the delicate taste of calamari. DaThe wheat has a distinctly fruity flavor, and I recommend it with anchovies and dried cod. While traveling through southern Germany, I discovered a local way of drinking wheat together with roasted fish. IcI have tried artisanal wheat with fish combinations several times and can only recommend it. The wheat ferment perfectly harmonizes with fried sardines and stockfish. EiA true delight for the senses: refreshing, thirst-quenching, and with a superb balance between exotic, fruity flavors and fish aromas.
Fried vegetables with Pilsner.
Vegetables give the Fritto Misto alla Romana a healthy character. Aber vergessen Sie nicht, es ist trotzdem noch in Fett gebraten. The Romans love the seasonality of their vegetables: zucchini, cauliflower, and artichokes coated with egg and flour.
The true specialty, however, is the zucchini flower (Fiori di zucca), which is available in spring. These are filled with mozzarella and anchovies, coated with the so-called ‘pastella’ before frying, a batter made of egg and flour. UTo make it crispier, there’s a little secret that only a few know: just add a bit of Pilsner to the dough. DiThe beer bubbles make the crust nice and crispy, and the malt in the beer adds a delicious flavor note.
Pilsner and lightly hoppy beers are perfect to enjoy with roasted vegetables
Mixed fried Roman-style
Snack, Aperitif, Antipasto
Warm
Brewer's yeast for combining: Fried Vegetables: Golden Breeze Suppli‘: Amber Ale
Pilsner, Wheat, Amber Ale or Pale Ale
6 Degrees (Pilsner), 6 Degrees (Wheat), 10 Degrees (Amber)
Art der Bierkombination: leichtes, erfrischendes, handwerkliches Bier
In Rome, Supplì is my favorite choice for the mixed fried dish. It is a fried rice ball mixed with tomato sauce with ground beef, with a core of mozzarella and coated with a layer of egg and breadcrumbs. DiThe Romans are very proud of their Supplì and can quickly get upset if they are confused with Sicilian Arancini. TatsächliIn fact, these are very similar and good, but they can be recognized because they are larger and cone-shaped.
Supplì is absolutely delicious, and when they are opened while still hot, the mozzarella melts, creating cheesy strands. PersIn personal terms, I like the Supplì from the Pizzeria al Taglio for a takeaway lunchtime snack. If you ever find yourself in Rome, you shouldn’t miss it. Otherwise, you can try it yourself; it’s easy.
DaThe Amber Ale is simply perfect with Supplì. Fermento Amber Ale is an excellent blend of malt and hop aromas without an overwhelming bitterness. This artisanal beer resembles the taste of beef tomato sauce. The bubbles are fine and delicate, perfect for this fried delicacy.
Enjoy craft beers with fried food. Roman Fritto Misto is an example of how you should enjoy excellent beers while indulging in something delicious and special.
I would be delighted to read about your experiences with this dish, especially in combination with the craft beer of your choice. Feel free to comment below.