These zucchini fritters are a light and delicious dish, perfect for a quick meal or as an appetizer. The fresh dill adds a burst of flavor, while the Greek yogurt keeps the fritters moist and tender. They’re simple to prepare and can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- Zucchinis: 2-3 medium-sized
Grated and lightly salted to draw out moisture, which helps the fritters hold together better. - Salt: To taste
Used to season the zucchini and balance the flavors of the dish. - Eggs: 2 large
Acts as a binding agent, helping to hold the fritters together. - Flour: 3 tablespoons
Adds structure to the fritter batter, making it easier to fry. - Greek Yogurt: 3 tablespoons
Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the fritters, enhancing their flavor. - Fresh Dill: Chopped, to taste
Provides a fresh, herby flavor that pairs well with the zucchini. - Black Pepper: To taste
Adds a mild spice and enhances the overall flavor of the fritters. - Olive Oil: For frying
Used to fry the fritters to a crispy, golden brown.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini
- Grate the Zucchini: Grate 2-3 zucchinis using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Salting the zucchini helps remove water, making the fritters crispier and less soggy. - Drain the Zucchini: After 10 minutes, squeeze the zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to ensure the fritters hold together during frying.
Removing the moisture ensures the fritters stay together and achieve a crispy texture.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. Add the drained zucchini, 3 tablespoons of flour, 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt, chopped dill, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
Mixing the ingredients thoroughly ensures an even distribution of flavors and a consistent batter. - Check Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to hold together when scooped but still slightly wet. If it’s too wet, add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Adjusting the consistency helps in forming and frying the fritters without them falling apart.
Step 3: Fry the Fritters
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Proper oil temperature is key to achieving a golden, crispy exterior without burning the fritters. - Cook the Fritters: Drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form patties. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Cooking the fritters evenly ensures they are fully cooked through and have a nice, crisp exterior. - Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Draining on paper towels helps keep the fritters from becoming too greasy.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the fritters warm, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own, with a dollop of Greek yogurt, or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Serving the fritters warm ensures they are at their crispiest and most flavorful.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Calories: 150-200 per serving (depending on portion size)
- Protein: 5-7g
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 10-12g
- Fiber: 2-3g
Tips for Success
- Squeeze out Excess Water: Ensuring the zucchini is well-drained is crucial for crispy fritters. Too much moisture can make the fritters soggy and difficult to fry.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, unevenly cooked fritters.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as parsley, cilantro, or mint to create different flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I bake these fritters instead of frying?
- Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to regain crispiness.
- Can I freeze these fritters?
- Yes, you can freeze the cooked fritters. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven directly from frozen.
Conclusion
These zucchini fritters are not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served as a side dish, a snack, or even as a main course with a light salad. The combination of zucchini, Greek yogurt, and fresh dill creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of the year.