Zesty Zucchini Fritters with Cheese

Discover the delightful taste of Zesty Zucchini Fritters, where zucchini truly shines as a delicious and healthier alternative to meat. These fritters are packed with flavor, combining the freshness of zucchini with the creaminess of cheese, and are perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a tasty snack. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, these fritters might just become your new favorite way to enjoy zucchini!

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Fritters:

  • Flavorful and Healthy: Zucchini provides a low-calorie base that’s high in vitamins and fiber.
  • Cheesy Goodness: A mix of Parmesan and creamy cheese like Philadelphia or ricotta adds depth and richness.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for a quick meal, appetizer, or side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 zucchini, grated
  • Half an onion, finely chopped
  • 1 egg
  • 70g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 140g breadcrumbs
  • 180g Philadelphia cheese or ricotta cheese
  • A few sprigs of chives, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Zucchini:
    • Place the grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with a little salt, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
    • Squeeze the zucchini to remove as much water as possible, ensuring the fritters aren’t too soggy.
  2. Make the Fritter Mixture:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chopped onion, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and half of the Philadelphia or ricotta cheese.
    • Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chopped chives for a hint of freshness.
    • Mix everything together until well combined.
  3. Form and Cook the Fritters:
    • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
    • Scoop a tablespoon of the zucchini mixture and flatten it slightly to form a patty.
    • Fry each patty for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
    • Continue until all the mixture is used, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
  4. Serve:
    • Serve the zucchini fritters warm, topped with a dollop of the remaining Philadelphia or ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of chives.
    • They’re great on their own or with a side of light yogurt dip or your favorite sauce.

Serving Suggestions:

These Zesty Zucchini Fritters can be enjoyed as a part of a casual lunch with a side salad or as an appetizer with a cooling dip like tzatziki or a simple yogurt sauce. They’re also a fantastic side dish for a larger dinner or as a vegetarian option at a barbecue.

Enjoy the unique combination of zucchini and cheese in these easy-to-make, delicious fritters that prove zucchini can indeed taste better than meat!