Baked zucchini fritters

Zucchini Fritters: A Healthy and Delicious Treat

Zucchini, these versatile vegetables, are often used in our cooking, but few know how delicious they can be transformed into golden oven-baked fritters. This zucchini fritter recipe is not only simple but also quick, perfect for a healthy dinner or as an appetizer at a party. Moreover, they are an excellent way to include more vegetables in your daily diet. Let’s explore each step of this recipe together, enjoy the fresh flavors, and learn some useful tips to achieve a perfect result!

Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings

Necessary Ingredients
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 400-500 g)
- 200 g feta cheese (or telemea, if you prefer)
- 1/2 bunch of dill (or parsley, according to preference)
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 egg
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- 1-2 tablespoons of flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil to grease the baking paper

Preparing the Zucchini Fritters

Step 1: Preparing the Zucchini
Start by carefully washing the zucchinis under cold water. Then, use a large grater to grate them. Once finished, place the grated zucchinis in a bowl and sprinkle a little salt over them. Let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess water. This step is essential to avoid soggy fritters.

Step 2: Mixing the Ingredients
After the zucchinis have drained, squeeze them well to remove the accumulated water. In a large bowl, add the grated zucchinis, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped dill or parsley, crushed garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, flour, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix all the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

Step 3: Forming the Fritters
Now comes the fun part: forming the fritters! With slightly damp hands, take a portion of the mixture and shape it into golf ball-sized fritters. Dust each fritter with flour to give them a crispy crust when baking.

Step 4: Baking the Fritters
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the fritters on the tray, leaving enough space between them to bake evenly. Place the tray in the oven on the bottom rack and let them bake for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, flip the fritters for even browning.

Step 5: Serving
When the fritters are golden and crispy, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. They are best served with a yogurt and garlic sauce, which adds a refreshing note and a delicious contrast. You can combine yogurt with vinegar, crushed garlic, and dill or parsley for a savory sauce.

Useful Tips
- For a fluffier texture, you can add a grated potato along with the zucchinis.
- Ingredient substitutions: If you can’t find telemea, feta cheese is an excellent choice, and for a vegan option, you can use crumbled tofu.
- Storing the fritters: They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or on a skillet.

Nutritional Values
Zucchini fritters are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Zucchini is low in calories (about 17 calories per 100 g) and contains antioxidants that help maintain health. Feta cheese adds protein and calcium, while garlic is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen zucchinis? It is recommended to use fresh zucchinis for the best results, but if you have frozen zucchinis, make sure to thaw and drain them well.
- What other spices can I add? You can experiment with dried herbs like oregano or basil to add extra flavor.

Variations and Combinations
These zucchini fritters are very versatile. You can add chopped black olives, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to diversify the flavors. If you want to turn them into a main dish, you can serve them with a fresh salad or a side of quinoa.

Personal Note
Zucchini fritters have become a family favorite, especially when served at parties. Every time I make them, I remember the moments spent in the garden, picking fresh zucchinis. I recommend you try them and personalize them to your taste!

I hope this oven-baked zucchini fritter recipe inspires you to bring vegetables to your festive table in a delicious and healthy way. Enjoy your meal!