This flavorful eggplant and cucumber fritters recipe is a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, herbs, and cheese. With a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy interior, these fritters are sure to satisfy your cravings. The combination of eggplant, cucumbers, and Dutch cheese with a touch of Italian herbs creates a delightful balance of flavors. It’s a simple and tasty dish that’s great as a snack or a light meal.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 15 minutes resting time)
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 2 eggplants, diced
- 3 cucumbers, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon (juice and grated peel)
- 100g Dutch cheese, grated
- 100g breadcrumbs
- 50g flour
- Mint leaves, chopped
- Italian herb mixture, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions:
- Prepare the eggplants: Dice the eggplants, sprinkle with salt, and let them stand for 15 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare the cucumbers: Grate the cucumbers and mix with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let stand for 15 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water.
- Mix the eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and grated lemon peel.
- Add the cheese and cucumbers: Stir the grated Dutch cheese and squeezed cucumbers into the egg mixture. Mix well.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate dish, combine breadcrumbs, flour, and Italian herbs.
- Shape the fritters: Take small portions of the mixture, shape into patties, and coat in the breadcrumb-flour mixture.
- Fry the fritters: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the fritters on both sides until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes per side).
- Finish cooking: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped mint leaves and a drizzle of lemon juice. Serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing dip.
- Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal.
- Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or more herbs on top for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Let the eggplants and cucumbers rest with salt to draw out moisture, ensuring crispier fritters.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more Italian herbs or lemon zest.
- For extra crispiness, fry the fritters in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Rich in Fiber: Eggplants and cucumbers provide a good source of dietary fiber.
- High in Protein: The eggs and cheese add protein, making this dish more filling.
- Vitamins & Antioxidants: Eggplants are packed with antioxidants, while cucumbers offer hydration and essential vitamins.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-Free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Low Carb: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour instead for a low-carb version.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 4g
Storage:
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or on a pan for a crispy texture.
- Freeze uncooked fritters for up to 3 months; thaw before frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and Delicious: The combination of crunchy breadcrumbs and soft eggplant creates an irresistible texture.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe by adding more vegetables or different cheeses.
- Nutritious: This recipe packs in veggies while keeping the flavors balanced and satisfying.
Conclusion:
Eggplant and cucumber fritters are a tasty and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. The blend of cheesy, herby goodness with crispy eggplant and fresh cucumbers creates a delicious bite every time. Whether you’re looking for a light snack or a fun appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress your guests. Don’t forget to top it with fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon juice for that extra burst of flavor. Give it a try today and see why these fritters will become a family favorite!