Zucchini fritters are a tasty and versatile dish that can be served as a side, appetizer, or light meal. These fritters combine grated zucchini with flavorful herbs and Parmesan, creating a delightfully crispy treat. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs zucchini, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh herbs (like thyme, parsley, or dill)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Place the grated zucchini in a colander over the sink. Add the ½ teaspoon of salt and gently toss to combine. Let the zucchini sit for 10 minutes to draw out the moisture.
- Squeeze Out Moisture:
- After the zucchini has rested, take handfuls and squeeze out as much liquid as possible, discarding the liquid. This step is crucial to prevent soggy fritters.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Combine Zucchini Mixture:
- In another bowl, mix the drained zucchini, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, and fresh herbs. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Make Fritter Batter:
- Add the zucchini mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture is well combined and holds together. If it’s too dry, you might need to add another beaten egg or a little water.
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour enough oil into a large frying pan to reach about ¼ inch deep. Heat over medium-high until the oil is hot but not smoking.
- Cook the Fritters:
- For each fritter, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the zucchini batter into the hot oil. Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon to form a pancake shape. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- Drain:
- Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve hot, optionally with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs and additional Parmesan cheese on top.
Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: These fritters can be served alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian meal with a fresh salad.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs depending on what’s available or your flavor preferences.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheat them in a pan over medium heat to keep the fritters crispy.
Conclusion:
Zucchini fritters are a delicious way to use up an abundance of zucchini. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavors from herbs and Parmesan. Enjoy these fritters as a tasty reward for your cooking efforts!
