Imagine a golden, crispy bite that perfectly balances the fresh, subtle flavor of zucchini with the rich, savory notes of Parmesan cheese. These zucchini fritters are a culinary revelation that transforms a simple vegetable into a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a delicious appetizer, a light lunch, or a creative side dish, these fritters are about to become your new favorite recipe.
Ingredients
- Zucchini: 3 medium (500g / 1.1 lbs)
- Parmesan Cheese: 80g (2.8 oz / ¾ cup, grated)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Flour: 60g (2.1 oz / ½ cup)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, finely chopped
- Onion: 1 small, grated or finely chopped
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper
- Cooking Oil: Olive oil or neutral oil
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash and trim the zucchini.
- Use a coarse grater to shred the zucchini completely.
- Place the grated zucchini in a clean tea towel.
- Squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
- This crucial step ensures your fritters will be crispy and not soggy.
- Create the Fritter Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Add flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and grated onion.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add chopped parsley if desired.
- Incorporate the well-drained zucchini.
- Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, consistent batter.
- Cooking the Fritters:
- Heat a large frying pan with a thin layer of oil.
- Use a spoon to drop small portions of batter into the pan.
- Gently flatten each portion to create patty shapes.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and crispy edges.
- Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Nutritional Information and Serving Details
- Servings: 4 (15-20 fritters)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 200-250 kcal
Why These Zucchini Fritters Are a Healthy Choice
These zucchini fritters are more than just a delicious snack – they’re a nutritional powerhouse. Zucchini is low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The addition of Parmesan cheese provides a protein boost and calcium, while the minimal oil used in cooking keeps the dish relatively light. By using fresh ingredients and controlling the cooking method, you’re creating a vegetable-forward dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for nutrition.
Pro tip: Serve these fritters with a side of Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or a light salad for a complete and satisfying meal!