Description
Crispy, golden-brown zucchini tots infused with the fresh, herbaceous flavors of the Mediterranean. These mini fritters combine tender zucchini, creamy feta, and fragrant herbs, making them the perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb / 500 g zucchinis, grated and squeezed to remove moisture
- 1/4 tsp salt (to draw out moisture from zucchini)
- 3/4 cup scallions/shallots, finely sliced (white and pale green parts)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 150 g / 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional: substitute with cheddar or tasty cheese)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- Oil spray (for greasing trays and tops of tots)
Optional Minted Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Remove Excess Moisture:
- After 30 minutes, squeeze out as much water as possible from the zucchini using your hands or a clean kitchen towel.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, scallions, garlic, breadcrumbs, eggs, feta, parmesan, oregano, and flour.
- Mix until everything is evenly distributed and the mixture holds together.
- Shape the Tots:
- Spray two baking trays with oil.
- Scoop heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the trays and shape into small cylinders (about the size of traditional tater tots).
- Lightly spray the tops of the tots with oil.
- Bake the Tots:
- Place the trays in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Swap the trays between racks after 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- The tots are ready when golden brown with a crunchy crust.
- Optional Minted Yogurt Sauce:
- While the tots are baking, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, mint, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Set aside for serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the tots warm with lemon wedges, Tzatziki, or minted yogurt sauce on the side.
Notes
- Moisture Removal: Squeezing out excess water from the zucchini is essential for crispy tots.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like ricotta salata, halloumi, or goat cheese.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate grated carrot, sweet potato, or chopped spinach for extra nutrition.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute panko breadcrumbs and flour with gluten-free options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean