These lentil and zucchini fritters are a delicious and nutritious vegetarian option that combines hearty lentils with fresh zucchini into a perfect snack or meal accompaniment. Follow this simple recipe to create a tasty dish that you’ll want to make almost every day.
Ingredients:
- 200g (1 cup) yellow lentils
- 450ml (2 cups) water
- 190g (1 medium) zucchini, grated
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
- 2-3 tablespoons flour (optional, for binding)
- 1 egg (optional, helps to bind the ingredients)
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro, finely chopped for added flavor)
Instructions:
- Cook the Lentils:
- Rinse the yellow lentils under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the lentils, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and have absorbed most of the water. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetable Mixture:
- While the lentils are cooking, grate the zucchini. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze to remove excess moisture.
- In a frying pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Make the Fritter Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, squeezed zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic, and fresh herbs. Mix well.
- If using, beat an egg and mix it into the bowl along with 2-3 tablespoons of flour to help bind the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Form and Fry the Fritters:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Form the mixture into small patties and carefully place them in the hot oil.
- Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Serve:
- Serve the warm fritters with a side of yogurt or sour cream for dipping, or with a fresh salad for a light meal.
Tips:
- Additional Flavorings: Consider adding spices such as cumin, smoked paprika, or curry powder to the fritter mixture for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These fritters are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even as the main component of a meal.
- Storage: Leftover fritters can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in a pan or oven to restore their crispiness.
These lentil and zucchini fritters are not only simple to prepare but also incredibly satisfying, making them a perfect everyday meal option. Enjoy their delightful texture and wholesome ingredients!