Delve into the crispy, savory world of Zucchini Fritters, paired exquisitely with a spicy garlic mayo aioli. This dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish. The fritters are quick to prepare and deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Ingredients:
- For the Zucchini Fritters:
- 2 small to medium zucchinis, or 1 large, washed and dried
- Sea salt, for seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (about 60 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup club soda (about 90 milliliters), to add lightness to the batter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2/3 tablespoon dried parsley)
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, for frying (about 120 milliliters)
- For the Spicy Garlic Mayo Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (about 120 grams)
- 1 large clove garlic, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon hot smoked Spanish paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini and sprinkle it with a generous amount of sea salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Squeeze the grated zucchini in a clean towel to remove as much water as possible, ensuring crispy fritters.
- Make the Batter: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, egg, and club soda to create a light, airy batter. Stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and parsley, and season with black pepper.
- Fry the Fritters: Heat the olive oil in a pan. Spoon the batter for each fritter into the hot oil and flatten slightly. Fry until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix the Aioli: While the fritters are frying, prepare the aioli by mixing mayonnaise, grated garlic, paprika, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the warm fritters with a dollop of the spicy garlic mayo aioli.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper:
- Versatility: These fritters can be served as a snack, a quick appetizer, or even as a light main course.
- Flavor Fusion: The creamy, spicy aioli complements the subtle sweetness of the zucchini perfectly.
- Healthful Twist: Zucchini is low in calories and a good source of dietary fiber, making these fritters a healthier option.
Cooking Tips:
- Club Soda Secret: Using club soda in the batter makes the fritters lighter and crispier.
- Uniform Cooking: Ensure all fritters are approximately the same size for even cooking.
Enjoy these Easy Zucchini Fritters with their irresistible crispy texture and the bold, creamy dip that turns this simple vegetable into a gourmet treat!