Ingredients:

For the Fritters:

• Eggs – 2
• Oat flakes – 100g (1 cup)
• Smoked paprika – To taste
• Turmeric – ½ teaspoon
• Zucchini – 1, grated
• Cheese – 50g (½ cup), grated
• Dill – To taste (chopped)
• Bavarian sausages – 150g (5.3 oz), chopped
• Onion – 1, finely chopped
• Garlic – 1 clove, minced
• Potatoes – 3, grated
• Black pepper – To taste
• Italian herb blend – To taste
• Flour – 70g (½ cup)
• Vegetable oil – For frying
• Salt – To taste

For the Sauce:

• Sour cream – 2 tablespoons
• Mayonnaise – 1 tablespoon
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
• Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fritter Mixture

1. Grate the Vegetables: Start by grating the zucchini and potatoes. After grating, squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini and potatoes using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is important to prevent the fritters from becoming soggy.
2. Chop the Ingredients: Finely chop 1 onion, mince 1 clove of garlic, and chop the Bavarian sausages into small pieces. Set aside.
3. Mix the Oats and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 eggs and 100g of oat flakes. Let the oats soak in the egg mixture for about 5 minutes, which helps soften the oats.
4. Combine the Ingredients: Add the grated zucchini, grated potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated cheese, chopped sausages, and dill to the oat and egg mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Add the Seasonings: Season the mixture with smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, black pepper, Italian herbs, and salt to taste. Stir in 70g of flour to help bind the mixture together.

Step 2: Form the Fritters

1. Shape the Fritters: Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small patties or fritters, about the size of your palm. You should be able to make about 8-10 fritters from this recipe.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a few tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Fry the Fritters: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the fritters in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry each fritter for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
3. Drain Excess Oil: Once the fritters are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Continue frying the rest of the fritters in batches.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of grated ginger. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Serve the Fritters

1. Serve Hot: Serve the freshly fried zucchini and potato fritters hot, alongside the herb sauce. Garnish with extra dill or herbs if desired. These fritters are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal.

Cooking Tips:

• Squeeze Out Moisture: Be sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini and potatoes to ensure your fritters turn out crispy. This step is essential for achieving the right texture.
• Customizing the Ingredients: You can easily customize these fritters by adding different vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers, or by switching out the Bavarian sausages for ham or turkey sausage.
• Frying in Batches: Fry the fritters in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps them cook evenly and become crispier.
• Make It Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free oat flakes and a gluten-free flour substitute, such as almond flour or rice flour.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to restore their crispiness before serving.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked fritters by placing them on a baking sheet and freezing them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the fritters to a freezer-safe bag or container. To cook, simply fry or bake them directly from frozen.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 8 Fritters):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Protein: 10-12 g
• Fat: 12-14 g
• Carbohydrates: 20-22 g
• Fiber: 3-4 g
• Sugar: 2-3 g
• Sodium: 600-700 mg

These zucchini and potato fritters are a balanced meal, providing protein from the eggs and sausages, fiber from the oats and vegetables, and healthy fats from the cheese and vegetable oil. The herb sauce adds a tangy, flavorful complement to the fritters.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake the fritters for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F), place the fritters on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

2. Can I use a different type of sausage? Absolutely! You can substitute the Bavarian sausages with any type of sausage you like, such as Italian sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian sausage.

3. How can I prevent the fritters from falling apart? If the fritters are falling apart while frying, try adding a little more flour to the mixture. You can also chill the mixture for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before frying, which helps the ingredients bind better.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving.

5. What can I serve with these fritters? These fritters are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a dipping sauce like ketchup or garlic aioli.

Conclusion:

These Zucchini and Potato Fritters with Sausage and Herb Sauce are a satisfying and flavorful dish that brings together the crunch of fried vegetables, the savory bite of sausage, and the freshness of dill and Italian herbs. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these fritters are easy to prepare and packed with nutrition. The tangy herb sauce adds a creamy, zesty touch that complements the fritters perfectly. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences, making it a fantastic go-to meal for any time of day.