Eggplant and Cucumber Fritters with Cheese Recipe

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the cucumbers: Grate the cucumbers and mix with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let stand for 15 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water.
  3. Mix the eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and grated lemon peel.
  4. Add the cheese and cucumbers: Stir the grated Dutch cheese and squeezed cucumbers into the egg mixture. Mix well.
  5. Prepare the coating: In a separate dish, combine breadcrumbs, flour, and Italian herbs.
  6. Shape the fritters: Take small portions of the mixture, shape into patties, and coat in the breadcrumb-flour mixture.
  7. 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).
  8. Finish cooking: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
  9. 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!