These crispy cabbage fritters are a delightful and healthy twist on traditional fritters, made with shredded cabbage, onions, eggs, and breadcrumbs. The addition of parmesan cheese gives them a savory, umami-rich flavor, while the sour cream sauce with cucumber, dill, and garlic provides a refreshing and tangy contrast. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish, or even a snack, these fritters are versatile, delicious, and simple to prepare. Paired with the herby and garlicky sauce, they make a satisfying meal or appetizer that’s light yet filling.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Fritters:

Cabbage – 1 medium (about 1.5 kg), shredded

Onions – 2 medium, finely chopped
Eggs – 4 pcs
Parmesan cheese (optional) – 1/2 cup, grated

Breadcrumbs – 2 cups
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste

Sunflower oil – for frying (approximately 1/2 cup)

For the Garlic Dill Sour Cream Sauce:

Sour cream – 3 tablespoons

Cucumber – 1 small, finely grated
Dill – 1 bunch, finely chopped
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced

Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Begin by washing and finely shredding the cabbage. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to get thin, even shreds. Place the shredded cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
Sprinkle a little salt over the cabbage and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps to soften the cabbage and draw out excess moisture.
After the cabbage has rested, use your hands to squeeze out any remaining liquid. Drain the liquid and return the cabbage to the bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Fritter Mixture

Peel and finely chop the onions, then add them to the shredded cabbage.
In a separate bowl, whisk the 4 eggs until they are fully beaten. Add the eggs to the cabbage and onion mixture.

If you’re using parmesan cheese, add 1/2 cup of grated cheese to the mixture. This is optional but will add a nice richness and depth of flavor to the fritters.
Stir in the breadcrumbs to the mixture, adding them gradually until the batter holds together well but isn’t too dry.
Season the mixture generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Fritters

Heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the base of the pan, ensuring the fritters get crispy.
Take a handful of the cabbage mixture and form it into small patties or fritters, about the size of your palm and 1/2 inch thick.

Place the fritters into the hot oil and fry them in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Once the fritters are cooked through, use a slotted spoon or spatula to remove them from the pan. Place the fritters on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Dill Sour Cream Sauce

While the fritters are cooking, prepare the sauce. Start by finely grating the cucumber and squeezing out any excess moisture with your hands or a clean cloth.
In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber with the sour cream.
Add the minced garlic and finely chopped dill to the mixture. Stir well.

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Serve the Fritters

Once all the fritters are cooked, serve them hot alongside the garlic dill sour cream sauce. Garnish with a bit of extra dill or parsley if desired.

The combination of the crispy fritters and the cool, tangy sauce is simply irresistible.

Cooking Tips:

Cabbage Preparation: Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the cabbage as possible after salting it. Excess moisture can make the fritters soggy rather than crispy.
Breadcrumbs: You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture. If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Frying: Use a neutral oil like sunflower oil for frying as it has a high smoke point. Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the fritters; this will help them get crispy quickly without absorbing too much oil.
Alternative Cheeses: If you don’t have parmesan, you can substitute with other hard cheeses like pecorino romano or even omit the cheese entirely for a lighter version.
Baking Option: For a healthier version, you can bake the fritters at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush them lightly with oil before baking to help them brown evenly.

Storage:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat to regain some crispiness, or heat them in the oven.
Freezing: Fritters can also be frozen. After frying, let them cool completely, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 2 fritters with sauce):

Calories: 250-300 kcal

Protein: 10-12 g
Fat: 12-15 g
Carbohydrates: 18-22 g

Fiber: 4-5 g
Sodium: 350-450 mg

These cabbage fritters are a healthy and filling option, rich in fiber and vitamins from the cabbage, onions, and herbs. The eggs and parmesan (if used) provide a good source of protein, while the sour cream sauce adds a refreshing touch with its mix of cucumber and dill.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, to make this recipe vegan, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free sour cream substitute for the sauce.

2. Can I make these fritters gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. This will ensure the fritters hold together without any gluten.

3. Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the fritters in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

4. What can I serve with these fritters? These fritters are versatile and can be served with a variety of sides like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish. The garlic dill sour cream sauce is perfect for dipping, but you could also try a yogurt-based dip or a spicy chili sauce.

5. How do I keep the fritters crispy when reheating? To keep the fritters crispy, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or place them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them as this can make them soggy.

Conclusion:

These crispy cabbage fritters are a delicious, simple, and healthy meal option that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Packed with vegetables, flavored with parmesan cheese, and paired with a refreshing garlic dill sour cream sauce, these fritters are as versatile as they are tasty. Whether you fry or bake them, the combination of crispy texture and savory flavor is sure to satisfy. They are easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or serving at gatherings. Enjoy these fritters with your favorite sauce and a side of fresh veggies for a wholesome and satisfying meal!