"Zucchini meatballs" in the oven

Zucchini Fritters - a simple and healthy delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking! Today, we will focus on a delicious and easy-to-make recipe: zucchini fritters. These are perfect for a quick dinner, a healthy lunch, or even as an appetizer at a party. Zucchini, the main ingredient, is appreciated not only for its delicate taste but also for the nutritional benefits it offers. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 2 medium zucchinis
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 150 g salty cheese (preferably telemea or feta)
- 1 egg
- 5 slices of bread (preferably whole grain)
- Breadcrumbs (for lining the tray and thickening the mixture)
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
- Spices: seasoning, pepper, paprika (to taste)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the garlic: Start by finely chopping the 5 cloves of garlic. They will give an intense and aromatic flavor to your fritters. In a pan, add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the garlic over medium heat until it turns golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it, as it will become bitter.

2. Preparing the zucchinis: Meanwhile, wash the zucchinis well and grate them. You can use a large or small grater, depending on your preference. Place the grated zucchinis in a sieve and sprinkle a little salt to help them release excess water. Let them sit for 10 minutes, then squeeze them well with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchinis, sautéed garlic, beaten egg, grated salty cheese, and the slices of bread soaked in water and squeezed. Mix well with a spatula until you achieve a homogeneous mixture. If you notice that the mixture is too wet, gradually add breadcrumbs until you can shape the fritters.

4. Shaping the fritters: If you have patience, take a portion of the mixture and form fritters of the desired size. Place them on a tray lined with baking paper, leaving a small space between them to bake evenly. If you're short on time, you can pour the mixture directly into a greased and breadcrumb-lined tray, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the fritters for about 30 minutes or until they turn golden and crispy around the edges. In the meantime, you can prepare a delicious sour cream sauce with garlic and dill, which pairs perfectly with these fritters.

Serving and Suggestions

Zucchini fritters can be served warm, alongside fried potatoes or mashed potatoes, and a sour cream sauce with garlic and dill. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds a fresh note to the dish. You can also add a green salad or a mix of vegetables to create a balanced meal.

Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian option, you can replace the cheese with tofu or another vegan cheese, and the egg with a mixture of ground flaxseeds with water, which will serve the same binding purpose for the ingredients.

Tips and Useful Advice

- Don’t waste zucchinis: If you have older zucchinis that are no longer very crunchy, using them for fritters is an excellent way to give them a new life.
- Freezing: You can freeze the fritters before baking them. Place them on a tray and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a bag and have them ready for a quick dinner.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices! You can add herbs like basil, oregano, or even chili for an extra kick.

Nutritional Information

These zucchini fritters are a healthy choice, rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Each serving contains approximately 220 calories, depending on the cheese used and the amount of oil.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen zucchinis?
Yes, you can use frozen zucchinis, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out the water before adding them to the mixture.

2. What is the best type of cheese for fritters?
Salty cheese, such as feta or telemea, is ideal due to its intense flavor. You can also experiment with mozzarella cheese for a creamier texture.

3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add grated carrots, onions, or even spinach to enrich the flavor and add extra nutrients.

Conclusion

Zucchini fritters are a quick and delicious recipe, perfect for any time of the day. With a wonderful taste and a crispy texture, they are definitely a dish that the whole family will love. Try this simple recipe and enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen!