Zucchini fritters are a delightful dish that perfectly showcases the versatility of zucchini. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. This Savory Zucchini Fritters with Cheese and Olives recipe combines grated zucchini with onions, eggs, cheese, and olives for a deliciously unique twist. Whether served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light meal, these fritters are sure to impress.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its taste but also in its simplicity. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a quick and healthy option. Plus, zucchini is a fantastic way to sneak some extra vegetables into your diet! Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make these delicious fritters step by step.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
To prepare Savory Zucchini Fritters with Cheese and Olives, you will need the following ingredients:
Zucchini: 1 medium-sized
Salt: To taste
Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
Egg: 1 large
Dried garlic: To taste
Flour: 4 tablespoons (all-purpose or whole wheat)
Olive oil: For frying
Cheese: 60 grams (feta, mozzarella, or any cheese of your choice), crumbled or grated
Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
Olives: 30 grams, sliced (green or black, depending on preference)
Parsley: A handful, chopped, for garnish
Steps on How to Make Savory Zucchini Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
Grate the Zucchini: Start by washing and trimming the ends of the zucchini. Using a box grater or a food processor, grate the zucchini finely.
Season with Salt: Place the grated zucchini in a bowl, sprinkle with salt, and mix well. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This process draws out excess moisture from the zucchini, which helps prevent soggy fritters.
Squeeze Out the Excess Liquid: After 10 minutes, take the grated zucchini and transfer it to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible to ensure a firmer fritter texture.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
Combine Other Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the squeezed zucchini, finely chopped onion, and the egg. Mix well to combine.
Add Seasonings and Flour: Season the mixture with dried garlic, adding salt to taste. Then, add 4 tablespoons of flour to help bind the fritters together. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Add Cheese and Olives: Gently fold in the crumbled cheese and sliced olives, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
Heat the Olive Oil: In a non-stick frying pan, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan to help achieve a crispy exterior.
Spread the Mixture: Once the oil is hot, use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to drop portions of the zucchini mixture into the pan. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon to form patties.
Cook the Fritters: Fry the fritters on low heat for about 5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Avoid high heat, as this can cause the outside to burn before the inside is fully cooked.
Flip the Fritters: To flip the fritters, use a large plate. Place the plate over the pan, carefully invert the fritters onto the plate, and then slide them back into the pan to cook the other side.
Step 4: Serve
Prepare for Serving: Once the fritters are cooked and golden brown on both sides, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Garnish: Serve the fritters warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for extra creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Fritter)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one fritter (based on making about 8 fritters):
Calories: 100 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 5 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
These fritters are a great source of vegetables and can provide a balanced amount of protein and healthy fats, especially when paired with a yogurt dip.
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