Ingredients

For the Broccoli Fritters:

• Broccoli: 500 g (1 pound/1.5 ounces), cut into small florets
• Garlic cloves: 3, minced
• Eggs: 2
• Oat flakes: 100 g (1 cup)
• Hard cheese: 100 g (3.5 ounces), grated (such as cheddar or parmesan)
• Salt: to taste
• Black pepper: to taste
• Olive oil: for frying

For the Garlic Yogurt Dip:

• Yogurt: 125 g (½ cup), plain
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Fresh parsley: chopped, for garnish

Making It Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli

1. Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain the broccoli and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Pat the broccoli dry with paper towels.
2. Chop the Broccoli: Once cooled and dried, finely chop the broccoli florets into small pieces. This will help the fritters bind together.

Step 2: Make the Fritter Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, minced garlic, oat flakes, grated cheese, and eggs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
2. Mix Well: Using a spoon or your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too dry, add a little more egg; if too wet, add more oats.

Step 3: Form the Fritters

1. Shape the Fritters: Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a small patty or fritter, about the size of your palm. Repeat with the remaining mixture. You should have around 12-14 fritters, depending on the size.

Step 4: Cook the Fritters

1. Heat the Oil: In a large non-stick skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Fry the Fritters: Place the fritters in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to do this in batches. Add more oil as needed.
3. Drain the Fritters: Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Yogurt Dip

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the yogurt with the minced garlic. Add salt to taste and stir well.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for added freshness and color.

Step 6: Serve

1. Serve the Fritters: Arrange the fritters on a serving platter and serve them hot with the garlic yogurt dip on the side. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Cheese Choice: You can use any hard cheese you like. Parmesan, cheddar, or gruyère work particularly well for a more pronounced flavor.
• Binding: If the mixture is too loose, add a little more oats or an extra egg to help bind the fritters together.
• Cooking the Broccoli: Avoid overcooking the broccoli. It should be tender but still hold its shape. Overcooking will make the fritters soggy.
• Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters to avoid them absorbing too much oil. If the oil is not hot enough, the fritters will become greasy.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: To freeze the fritters, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen fritters to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months. Reheat them directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and crispy.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 150
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 300mg

FAQs

1. Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
   • Yes, simply use gluten-free oat flakes to make the fritters gluten-free. Make sure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
2. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
   • Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly brush them with olive oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
3. What can I use instead of cheese?
   • If you want to make a dairy-free version, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or omit the cheese entirely and add more seasoning to boost the flavor.
4. Can I add other vegetables?
   • Yes, you can add grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, or even corn to the mixture for added texture and flavor.
5. How do I make the fritters vegan?
   • For a vegan version, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a plant-based cheese or omit it altogether.

Conclusion

Broccoli Oatmeal Fritters with Garlic Yogurt Dip are a delicious way to enjoy the nutritional benefits of broccoli and oats in a flavorful, crispy package. These fritters are perfect for any meal, whether served as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. With the addition of a tangy garlic yogurt dip, they are a complete, satisfying dish that’s both healthy and indulgent. Whether you’re serving them to your family or bringing them to a potluck, they are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting, savory flavors in every bite!