Zucchini and Herb Fritters: Easy Summer Side Dish

Imagine it’s a warm summer evening, and you’re in your kitchen with a bunch of fresh zucchini. You might feel overwhelmed by the amount, but don’t worry! I’ve found a recipe that turns these zucchinis into a delicious treat everyone will love.

Zucchini and herb fritters are the perfect solution for summer’s bounty. They’re not just any vegetable fritters; they’re a celebration of summer flavors. Join me on a culinary journey to make your zucchinis the highlight of your meal.

The first time I made these fritters, it was love at first bite. The sizzle of the batter and the aroma of fresh herbs filled the kitchen. Now, every summer, these fritters are a staple in my kitchen, celebrating the season’s peak.

With just 30 minutes of your time, you can make 12 fritters for 4 people. Once you try these crispy and tender delights, you’ll see zucchini in a whole new light.

Key Takeaways

• Zucchini and herb fritters are a perfect solution for summer zucchini surplus
• The recipe yields 12 fritters and serves 4 people
• Total preparation and cooking time is just 30 minutes
• Fritters are crispy outside, tender inside, and packed with flavor
• They’re versatile – serve as appetizers, side dishes, or in sandwiches
• A garlic yogurt dip complements the fritters perfectly
• The dish has a high rating of 4.85 out of 5 based on 32 votes

Introduction to Zucchini and Herb Fritters

Zucchini and herb fritters are a great addition to your zucchini recipes. They’re perfect as healthy snacks or tasty starters. Their crispy outside and soft inside make them a hit with the family.

These fritters mix fresh zucchini with fragrant herbs. They’re simple to make and great for any time of day. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a light lunch, or appetizers for a party, these fritters are ideal.

Here are some key facts about these delicious zucchini fritters:

These fritters are versatile. You can change them up with different herbs and spices. They also freeze well, making them great for meal prep. For more savory squash recipes, try adding this versatile veggie to your meals.

“These zucchini fritters are a game-changer! They’re crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make. My kids love them as after-school snacks, and they’re my go-to appetizer for dinner parties.”

With a high rating of 4.73 out of 5 from 18 votes, these zucchini fritters are a hit. They’re not only tasty but also packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins.

The Perfect Way to Use Summer Zucchini Surplus

Summer brings a lot of zucchini, making gardeners and farmers’ market fans look for new ways to use it. Zucchini fritters are a tasty way to use up this versatile veggie. They turn this simple squash into a crispy, savory snack.

Garden-fresh Zucchini Options

Whether you pick it from your garden or buy it at the farmers’ market, fresh zucchini is key to many summer recipes. You can make zucchini noodles, stuffed zucchini boats, and more. Grilled zucchini halves are easy to make and taste great, while zucchini salads are perfect for hot days.

Versatility of Zucchini in Cooking

Zucchini is versatile because of its mild taste and soft texture. It fits well in both savory and sweet dishes, like stir-fries and zucchini bread. For a low-carb choice, use zucchini instead of pasta in lasagna. Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are also a hit as a spaghetti substitute, showing how versatile this veggie is.

Fritters as a Delicious Solution

Zucchini fritters are a hit for using up summer zucchini. These crispy treats are tasty hot or reheated. With just a few ingredients, you can make 10-12 delicious fritters from 3 cups of shredded zucchini.

These fritters are not just tasty but also a handy way to store zucchini. You can keep them in the fridge for a week or freeze them for three months. They’re ideal for meal prep or using up that last bit of summer zucchini.

Essential Ingredients for Zucchini and Herb Fritters

Zucchini fritters are a summer delight, full of Mediterranean flavors. You’ll need 2 zucchinis and 2 medium potatoes for the base. Then, 4 bunches of parsley and 1/2 bunch of mint add a burst of fresh taste.

For binding the fritters, use 10 eggs and 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons of flour. Season with 1 tablespoon each of cumin and Aleppo pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This mix gives the fritters a warm, aromatic flavor.

• Shredded white cheese
• 1/2 shredded onion
• 1/3 cup grated Mitzithra or Parmesan
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

This recipe is versatile. Feel free to mix in different herbs like dill or oregano for a unique taste. For a healthier option, bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes or air fry at 370°F for about 10 minutes.

With these ingredients, you’re all set to make delicious zucchini fritters. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Just remember to squeeze out the zucchini’s water for crispy fritters every time.

Preparing the Zucchini: Key to Crispy Fritters

The secret to crispy zucchini fritters is in how you prepare the vegetable. By using a few simple steps, you can turn your fritters from soggy to spectacular.

Grating Techniques

Begin by grating 1.5 pounds of fresh zucchini. Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment for quick work. This step is key to getting the right texture in your fritters.

Removing Excess Moisture

Zucchini has a lot of water, which can make your fritters soggy. To fix this, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt over the grated zucchini. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes. This method helps pull out the water from the zucchini.

Salt-Drawing Method

After salting, squeeze out the liquid with a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for a crispy texture. By removing excess moisture, you’re making sure your fritters turn out perfectly crisp.

Once your zucchini is ready, mix it with other ingredients. Add ⅓ cup of chopped green onions, ½ cup of all-purpose flour, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Then, add an egg for binding, and season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

With these steps, you’re all set to make crispy zucchini fritters. They will taste amazing and impress everyone who tries them.

Herbs and Seasonings: Elevating the Flavor Profile

Zucchini fritters are amazing with the right herbs and seasonings. They bring out Mediterranean flavors, turning a simple dish into a treat. Fresh herbs like dill, mint, parsley, and chives add brightness and depth.

Garlic and lemon zest add a zesty kick. Cumin brings a warm, earthy taste. For some heat, red pepper flakes are great. These flavors remind you of sunny Mediterranean food.

Try different herb blends to make your fritters unique. Here’s a mix that many love:

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

This mix has earned many zucchini fritter recipes a 5-star rating. It goes great with the crispy cornmeal batter. You can make your herb mix ahead of time and keep it for up to 3 days, making cooking easier.

Step-by-Step Fritter Batter Preparation

Making the perfect zucchini fritter batter is key for crispy, tasty fritters. Let’s go through how to prepare your fritter recipe.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

Begin by mixing ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon baking powder in a bowl. These dry ingredients are the base of your zucchini fritter batter. For a gluten-free version, use an all-purpose gluten-free blend like Cup4Cup instead of regular flour.

Incorporating Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine your wet ingredients. This includes beaten eggs and 8 cups of grated zucchini (about 8 medium zucchinis). Make sure to squeeze out the zucchini’s moisture after salting it for 20 minutes. This step is crucial for crispy fritters.

Achieving the Right Consistency

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring until just combined. Your zucchini fritter batter should be thick enough to hold its shape when scooped. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour. Too dry? A little water will help. But don’t overmix to keep your fritters tender.

Now that your batter is ready, you can cook about 24 fritters, enough for 4 people. Each serving has 166 calories and 9.2g of protein. These zucchini fritters are a nutritious and tasty summer side dish.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Zucchini Fritters

Frying zucchini fritters to crispy perfection is an art. Start by heating a mix of olive and vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This combo gives great flavor and a higher smoke point. To test if the oil’s ready, drop a tiny bit of batter in – it should sizzle right away.

When frying zucchini fritters, spoon the batter into the hot oil. Flatten each fritter slightly with your spoon’s back. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan – this keeps the oil temp steady.

For extra crispy fritters, make sure to drain them on paper towels after cooking. This step removes excess oil, leaving you with perfectly crisp zucchini fritters. Remember, the key to great fritters is in the prep and cooking technique!

This recipe yields 12 delicious fritters, each packed with flavor and nutrition. With just 51 calories per fritter, they’re a guilt-free treat. Enjoy your crispy zucchini fritters fresh off the skillet for the best taste and texture!

Complementary Dipping Sauces and Garnishes

Make your zucchini fritters even better with tasty dipping sauces and garnishes. These extras boost the flavor and look of your dish. Let’s check out some great options to go with your crispy fritters.

Yogurt-based Sauces

Creamy yogurt-based sauces are great for dipping fritters. Try a simple garlic yogurt dip or a classic tzatziki. Mix 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup of mayonnaise for a rich, tangy base. Add minced garlic, salt, and pepper to taste. This sauce not only tastes great but also cools down the warm fritters.

Herb-infused Options

For a fresh taste, make herb-infused sauces. Combine yogurt or sour cream with chopped fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley. A lemon-dill yogurt sauce is a top pick that goes well with zucchini. Mix 1 cup of yogurt with the juice of half a lemon and 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill for a zesty, aromatic dip.

Lemon Accents for Freshness

Don’t overlook the power of lemon to brighten your dish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over your fritters just before serving, or include lemon wedges as a garnish. This simple addition can really make the flavors stand out. Remember, these zucchini fritters are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with various sauces, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination.