Crunchy Zucchini Fritters with Parmesan and Green Onions
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Sustainable and Flavorful
I remember the first time I attempted to grow zucchini in my small backyard garden. It started as a simple experiment – just a couple of seeds, and I didn’t expect much. Fast forward a few months, and I had zucchinis growing at an impressive rate! My kitchen quickly turned into zucchini central, with piles of them on the counter, and I was in desperate need of new ideas to use them up. Grilled, sautéed, added to salads – you name it, I tried it. But then one lazy summer afternoon, as I stared at a fresh batch of zucchini, I had an epiphany: fritters.
It was like a lightbulb moment. Why not turn these garden treasures into crispy zucchini fritters?
Making Crunchy Zucchini Fritters At Home
I played around with the ingredients, wanting something that felt light and crunchy but not too heavy. Parmesan seemed like the perfect addition to enhance the flavor without overpowering the zucchini, and green onions added that sharp bite to balance the richness of the fritters. I also kept the batter minimal, just enough to bind everything together without feeling too “bready.”
What really hooked me, though, was the way the outside turned beautifully golden and crispy while the inside stayed tender and fresh. Paired with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream, they were divine. Every bite reminded me of the simplicity of fresh ingredients – how they didn’t need much to shine. These Crunchy Zucchini Fritters became my go-to snack and a staple at every summer BBQ or weekend brunch. And honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with a dish that highlights the natural sweetness of garden-fresh zucchini.
The best part? They’re versatile! You can swap in yellow squash, carrots, or even add herbs for a different flavor profile. They’re easy to make, light on the stomach, and perfect for just about any occasion. Now, every time I pull zucchini from my garden, I think back to that lazy afternoon and smile, knowing I’ve found a keeper of a recipe.
Chef’s Notes – Crunchy Zucchini Fritters
- Squeeze out water thoroughly: The key to crispy fritters is to remove as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. Using a clean tea towel or cheesecloth works best for this.
- Keep fritters warm: If making a large batch, use a preheated oven at a low temperature (200°F) to keep the fritters warm while cooking in batches.
- Add herbs for extra flavor: Fresh dill, parsley, or even a touch of mint can elevate the flavor. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a sauce: Pair these fritters with plain yogurt, sour cream, or even a homemade tzatziki for a refreshing contrast.
- Double the recipe for parties: These fritters are crowd-pleasers, so consider doubling the batch if serving them at a BBQ or dinner party.
- Leftover Zucchini? Try making this Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie or our Zucchini Quinoa Roll-Ups.
Crunchy Zucchini Patties
Dive into these irresistible Crunchy Zucchini Patties! Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these patties are elevated with a hint of parmesan and fresh green onions. They’re light on batter, making them a healthy yet delicious option for any meal. Serve them with a dollop of yogurt or sour cream for an extra touch of flavor. These patties are a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, easy, and tasty dish!
4
patties15
minutes12
minutes180
kcal10
minutes37
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Zucchini Mixture
2 medium zucchinis (about 1 lb), grated
1 teaspoon sea salt
- Batter
1 large egg
2 green onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch black pepper
4 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- For Serving
Plain yogurt or sour cream
Additional chopped green onions
Directions
- Preparing Zucchini – Grate the zucchinis diagonally using a box grater to get long strands. Place them in a bowl and sprinkle with sea salt. Mix well and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
- Draining Zucchini – After resting, squeeze out the excess water from the zucchini using your hands or by bundling it in a tea towel. Transfer the drained zucchini to a clean bowl.
- Making the Batter – Preheat your oven to 200°F (100°C) to keep the fritters warm later. Add the egg, chopped green onions, grated parmesan cheese, and minced garlic to the bowl with the zucchini. Mix until well combined.
- Adding Dry Ingredients – Gradually sprinkle the flour and baking powder over the zucchini mixture. Add a pinch of black pepper and mix until the flour is just incorporated. The batter should be thick but soft.
- Cooking Fritters – Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Drop 1/4 cup of batter into the pan for each fritter and flatten slightly with a spatula to about 1 cm thick. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Keeping Warm – Transfer the cooked fritters to a baking sheet and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining batter.
- Serving – Serve the crispy zucchini patties immediately with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream and a sprinkle of additional chopped green onions if desired.
Equipment
- box grater
- mixing bowls
- nonstick pan
- baking sheet
- spatula
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 180kcal
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 250mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 300IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 1mg
Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie
Cooks in 10 minutesDifficulty: EasyDive into this luscious Chocolate Zucchini Smoothie that tastes just like a decadent milkshake! Packed with wholesome, plant-based ingredients, this smoothie is both rich and creamy, making it the perfect guilt-free treat. Whether you’re a smoothie enthusiast or just looking for a healthy dessert alternative, this recipe will surely impress. Get ready to blend up some magic!
Delicious Zucchini Quinoa Roll-Ups
Cooks in 70 minutesDifficulty: MediumGet ready to wow your taste buds with these delightful Zucchini Quinoa Roll-Ups! Packed with a savory blend of chickpeas, spinach, and creamy cashew cheese, these bite-sized rolls are smothered in tangy marinara sauce and baked to perfection. Perfect for picky eaters and a hit at any dinner table, this dish is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy twist on classic Italian flavors.
FAQs – Crunchy Zucchini Fritters
Why do I need to salt the zucchini?
Salting the zucchini helps draw out excess water, which prevents the Crunchy Zucchini Fritters from becoming soggy. Make sure to let them sit for about 10 minutes and squeeze out as much water as possible.
Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
What can I use instead of parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano works well, or for a dairy-free option, you can substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How do I prevent the Crunchy Zucchini Fritters from sticking to the pan?
Use a nonstick pan and ensure it’s well-heated before adding the batter. Don’t move the fritters too soon—let them develop a golden crust before flipping.
