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Preparation Time
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet smoked Spanish paprika
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (extra crispy or panko)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for breadcrumbs)
- 1/2 cup sunflower oil (or any neutral vegetable oil)
- Manchego cheese, for grating
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini:
- Wash the zucchinis and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. Do not slice them too thick to ensure they cook through properly.
- Season the Zucchini:
- Place the zucchini slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Season them with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Make the Batter:
- In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon sweet smoked Spanish paprika.
- Mix the dry ingredients until they are evenly distributed.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold water to the bowl and whisk until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
- Measure out 1 cup of breadcrumbs into a separate bowl. If you can’t find extra crispy breadcrumbs, regular or panko breadcrumbs will work.
- Season the breadcrumbs with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt and mix well.
- Heat the Oil:
- Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 1/2 cup of sunflower oil (or any neutral vegetable oil).
- Coat the Zucchini:
- Dip each zucchini slice into the batter, making sure it is coated all around. Shake off any excess batter.
- Then, coat the slice in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
- Transfer the coated slices to a dish.
- Fry the Zucchini:
- Once the oil is hot, add the coated zucchini slices to the pan in a single layer. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 60 to 75 seconds on each side, until the zucchini is fully cooked and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and Serve:
- Remove the zucchini bites from the pan using a slotted spoon and transfer them to a dish lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the bites are still hot, finely grate Manchego cheese over the top of each one.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the crispy zucchini bites immediately as a delicious appetizer or tapas. They are so flavorful that no dip is needed, but you can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Zucchini Bites
- Consistent Slicing: Ensure all zucchini slices are of equal thickness for even cooking.
- Hot Oil: Make sure the oil is properly heated to achieve a crispy texture.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent the bites from becoming soggy.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning the batter and breadcrumbs for maximum flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
These zucchini bites are not only delicious but also offer some nutritional benefits:
- Zucchini: Low in calories, high in antioxidants, and a good source of vitamins A and C.
- Garlic and Onion Powder: Add antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats beneficial for heart health.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- Vegan Option: Omit the Manchego cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy zucchini bites are quick to prepare, incredibly tasty, and have a delightful crunch that makes them a perfect snack or appetizer. The combination of seasoned batter, crispy breadcrumbs, and a touch of Manchego cheese creates a burst of flavors with every bite.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these crispy zucchini bites are a fun and delicious way to enjoy zucchini. With their simple preparation and delightful taste, they make for one of the best tapas or appetizers you will ever taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dish!