These Cabbage and Zucchini Veggie Fritters are a delicious way to enjoy your daily dose of vegetables. Golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and cheesy on the inside, they are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. Paired with a cool, garlicky creamy dill sauce, they make a nutritious and flavorful meal thatโs quick and easy to prepare. Whether youโre cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these fritters are guaranteed to be a hit at your table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients
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2 eggs
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2 tablespoons (about 30 g) sour cream
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Salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste
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4 tablespoons (1/4 cup or 30 g) flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/2 onion, finely chopped
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Olive oil for frying
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250 g (8.8 oz) cabbage, finely shredded
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1 zucchini (about 150 g), grated
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50 g (1.8 oz) cheese, grated (e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
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100 g (3.5 oz or about 1/2 cup) sour cream
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1 small cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
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Fresh dill, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with sour cream.
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Add salt, black pepper, and oregano to taste. Mix well.
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Stir in flour and baking powder until the batter is smooth.
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Add the chopped onion, shredded cabbage, grated zucchini, and grated cheese. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Scoop the vegetable mixture into the skillet in small portions and flatten each with a spatula to form fritters.
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Fry on both sides until golden brown and crispy, about 3โ4 minutes per side. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
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For the dill sauce: Mix sour cream with grated cucumber, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
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Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of creamy dill sauce.
Preparation Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 35 minutes
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Servings: 4
Nutrients (Per serving, estimated)
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Calories: 220
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Protein: 9 g
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Carbohydrates: 15 g
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Fat: 14 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Calcium: 120 mg
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Vitamin C: 30% DV
About This Recipe
These fritters are inspired by traditional Eastern European vegetable pancakes but with a modern, cheesy twist. Cabbage and zucchini are a perfect pair: cabbage gives structure and sweetness, while zucchini adds moisture and a subtle earthiness. When bound together with flour, eggs, and a little cheese, they crisp up beautifully in a pan. The creamy dill sauce adds a cooling contrast to the warm, savory frittersโmaking this dish balanced and deeply satisfying.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Youโll love how easy it is to make, how affordable the ingredients are, and how well it fits into a healthy diet. This recipe is flexibleโyou can add your own favorite vegetables or herbs to suit your taste. Plus, itโs kid-friendly, great for meal prep, and suitable for vegetarian diets. The creamy garlic-dill sauce is so flavorful that youโll want to put it on everything!
The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish
This dish takes inspiration from European peasant cooking, where humble vegetables like cabbage and zucchini were staples. Vegetable fritters are common in countries like Poland, Ukraine, and the Balkans. They were originally made to stretch a small amount of ingredients into a filling meal. Today, this dish has been modernized with the addition of cheese and a tangy dill sauce, making it a more indulgent but still wholesome option.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 2โ3 minutes per side or warm them in the oven at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it may make them soggy. The dill sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for 2โ3 days.
Common Variations to Try
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Add carrots: For added sweetness and color, grate one medium carrot into the mix.
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Use different cheese: Feta, parmesan, or gouda work well.
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped jalapeรฑos.
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Gluten-free version: Use almond or chickpea flour instead of wheat flour.
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Low-fat option: Skip the cheese and use low-fat sour cream.
Pairing Recommendations
These fritters pair well with light salads like tomato-cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or a bowl of soup. For a heartier meal, serve them alongside grilled meats or a poached egg. For drinks, try a chilled glass of kefir, lemon water, or a crisp white wine.
Health Benefits
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Cabbage: High in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, supporting immune and digestive health.
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Zucchini: Low in calories but rich in vitamin A and potassium.
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Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential B vitamins.
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Garlic and dill: Support cardiovascular health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
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Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that supports good cholesterol levels.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 200ยฐC (400ยฐF) on a parchment-lined tray for about 20โ25 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Can I freeze these fritters?
Yes, after cooling, place them in a single layer in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a container. Reheat in the oven or skillet.
3. What cheese works best in this recipe?
Mild cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda are ideal. Feta adds a tangy flavor.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
5. Can I use only cabbage or only zucchini?
Yes, but the texture will change. Cabbage-only fritters are crispier; zucchini-only fritters are softer and moister.
6. What can I use instead of sour cream?
You can use Greek yogurt, crรจme fraรฎche, or even cottage cheese blended smooth.
7. Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yesโuse egg replacers, plant-based cheese, and vegan yogurt for the sauce.
8. Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, add finely chopped cooked bacon or shredded chicken for extra protein.
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9. What if my batter is too wet?
Add a tablespoon of flour at a time until the mixture holds its shape.
10. How can I make these even crispier?
Make sure to squeeze out any moisture from the zucchini and cook the fritters in a hot pan without overcrowding.
Conclusion
These Cabbage and Zucchini Veggie Fritters with Creamy Dill Sauce are the perfect combination of wholesome ingredients, easy preparation, and incredible flavor. Whether youโre looking to use up garden veggies or whip up a quick and satisfying vegetarian meal, these fritters are sure to please. The cooling dill sauce adds a burst of freshness that elevates the dish. With their crisp edges, cheesy centers, and nutritious profile, these fritters are bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Give them a tryโyouโll love how something so simple can taste so good.