Ingredients

For the Cabbage Fritters:

• Cabbage: 1 medium, 600 g (about 21 oz)
• Carrot: 1 medium
• Eggs: 2 large
• Oat flakes: ½ cup (50 g)
• Cheese: 80 g (about 3 oz), grated
• Flour: 3 tablespoons
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: 1/3 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/3 teaspoon

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

• Thick yogurt: 3-4 tablespoons
• Walnuts: A small handful, chopped
• Dill: A few sprigs, finely chopped
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Mixture

1. Chop and Cook the Cabbage:
   • Finely chop the cabbage into small, thin strips. Place it in a large pan with a tablespoon of olive oil and 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Cook over medium to low heat for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cabbage to soften but not brown.
2. Grate the Carrot:
   • While the cabbage is cooking, grate the carrot and set it aside.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked cabbage, grated carrot, eggs, oat flakes, flour, minced garlic, cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a cohesive mixture.

Step 2: Form and Bake the Fritters

1. Shape the Fritters:
   • Using your hands, form small patties or fritters from the cabbage mixture. You should be able to make about 10-12 fritters depending on their size.
2. Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides become golden brown.
3. Alternative Frying Method:
   • If you prefer a crispier texture, you can fry the fritters in a pan. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce

1. Mix the Yogurt Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, combine the thick yogurt, chopped walnuts, minced garlic, dill, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir until everything is well combined. The creamy yogurt paired with the crunchy walnuts and fragrant dill is the perfect complement to the savory fritters.

Step 4: Serve

• Serve the baked or pan-fried fritters warm, drizzled with the garlic yogurt sauce. Garnish with extra chopped dill and walnuts if desired. These fritters make a great main dish or a satisfying side to any meal.

Cooking Tips

• Avoid Overcooking the Cabbage: When cooking the cabbage, be careful not to overcook it. You want it to be soft but not mushy. Overcooked cabbage can lose its texture and make the fritters soggy.
• Oats for a Healthier Fritter: Using oats instead of breadcrumbs or more flour adds fiber and keeps the fritters lighter while providing a delicious texture.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer. Cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan would all work well in this recipe.
• Sauce Variations: If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap the garlic yogurt sauce for a spicy sriracha mayo or a simple tzatziki sauce.

Storage

• Refrigeration: These fritters store well in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to regain the crispiness.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the fritters for up to 2 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. When ready to eat, bake or fry them straight from frozen.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Based on 4 servings.

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the fritters?

• Absolutely! You can add grated zucchini, spinach, or finely chopped bell peppers to the fritters. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the vegetables to avoid making the mixture too wet.

3. What can I serve these fritters with?

• These cabbage fritters pair well with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even as a side dish to a grilled chicken or fish meal. The garlic yogurt sauce also complements them perfectly.

4. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

• Yes, dried dill can be used in place of fresh. Just use about half the amount of dried herbs since they are more concentrated in flavor.

5. How can I make the fritters crispier?

• For extra crispiness, you can fry the fritters in a pan with a little more oil or spray them with oil before baking. Baking them at a higher temperature (200°C/400°F) for a shorter time can also give them a crispier texture.

Conclusion

These Savory Baked Cabbage Fritters are an excellent option for a tasty, nutritious, and filling meal. With their rich combination of flavors from the cabbage, cheese, garlic, and oats, these fritters are perfect for any time of the day. The creamy garlic yogurt sauce with walnuts and dill takes this dish to another level. Whether baked or pan-fried, these fritters are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. They are not only a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet but are also easy to prepare, store, and enjoy throughout the week. Try them out for your next meal and savor the wholesome goodness!