Looking for a light, healthy, and satisfying meal that’s just as flavorful as traditional meat patties? These cheesy vegetable zucchini patties are the perfect answer! Packed with zucchini, potatoes, and carrots, and held together with cheese, these patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Served with a homemade garlic sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Patties:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 370 g), grated
- 2 small potatoes (100 g), grated
- 1 medium carrot (80 g), grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-2 large eggs
- 100 g hard cheese or mozzarella, grated
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- A small bunch of parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Black pepper to taste
- Oil of your choice, such as olive or vegetable, for frying
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Grate the zucchini, potatoes, and carrot using a box grater.
- Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
- After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to squeeze out as much water from the zucchini as possible. This step is crucial for ensuring that the patties hold together and stay crispy.
- Make the Pattie Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, potatoes, and carrot. Add the minced garlic, grated cheese, chopped parsley, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
- Crack in 1 or 2 eggs (start with 1 and add the second if the mixture seems too dry), and add the flour. Mix everything together until a thick, sticky mixture forms.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s firm enough to shape into patties.
- Shape and Fry the Patties:
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add a couple of tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Using your hands, shape the vegetable mixture into patties about the size of your palm, flattening them slightly.
- Fry the patties in batches, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce:
- While the patties are cooking, make the garlic sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise (or yogurt), sour cream, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more garlic or salt to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the crispy vegetable zucchini patties warm, drizzled with the tangy garlic sauce or with the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with extra chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
Conclusion:
These cheesy vegetable zucchini patties are a perfect alternative to meat-based dishes, offering a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying meal. The combination of grated zucchini, potatoes, and carrots, along with a touch of cheese, makes these patties crisp on the outside and tender inside. Paired with the creamy garlic sauce, they are a delightful dish to serve for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer.