Fritto Misto

Directions

1. 1
   Put at least 3 inches of oil in a large, deep saucepan; a larger pan with more oil will allow you to cook more at once.
2. 2
   Turn the heat to high and keep it there until the temperature reaches 350F (a pinch of flour will sizzle).
3. 3
   Then adjust the heat as necessary to maintain this temperature.
4. 4
   While the oil is heating, prepare the vegetables.
5. 5
   Make the batter: Combine 1 cup of the flour, the baking powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl; mix lightly with a fork.
6. 6
   Mix together the egg and wine, then stir the mixture into the batter until smooth; the mixture should be just about the consistency of pancake batter.
7. 7
   Dredge each piece of food lightly in the remaining flour, then dip into the batter and add to the oil.
8. 8
   Do not crowd the food; you will have to cook in batches.
9. 9
   Cooking time will be just as long as it takes for the pieces to become an appealing shade of gold, just 5 minutes or so.
10. 10
    Drain on paper towels, sprinkle with coarse salt, and serve immediately, with lemon wedges or aioli.