Zucchini patties, also known as zucchini fritters, are a delightful dish that perfectly combines the freshness of zucchini with the savory flavors of herbs and cheese. These crispy yet tender patties make for a versatile appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. Whether you’re looking for a way to use up a surplus of zucchini from your garden or simply craving a tasty and nutritious dish, zucchini patties are sure to satisfy. In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the process of making delicious zucchini patties that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients for Zucchini Patties:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt for serving
How to Make Zucchini Patties:
- Prepare the Zucchini: Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating attachment. Place the grated zucchini in a colander set over a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow excess moisture to drain.
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: After 10 minutes, use your hands to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini. This step is crucial to ensure that the patties hold together well and achieve a crispy texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped green onions, chopped parsley, black pepper, and beaten eggs. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Form Patties: Take small portions of the zucchini mixture and shape them into patties, about 1/4 cup each. You can adjust the size of the patties based on your preference.
- Fry the Patties: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the zucchini patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Once the patties are cooked through and crispy on the outside, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the zucchini patties warm, optionally with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Zucchini: Zucchini is the star ingredient in this recipe, providing a mild flavor and a moist texture to the patties. It is also a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber.
- Parmesan Cheese: The grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the patties while also helping to bind the ingredients together.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs act as a binder and help to absorb excess moisture from the zucchini, ensuring that the patties hold their shape during cooking.
- Garlic and Herbs: Minced garlic, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley add aromatic flavor and freshness to the patties, elevating their taste profile.
With their crispy exterior and tender interior, these zucchini patties are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or light main course, they are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!