Zucchini meatballs with feta cheese

Zucchini Fritters with Feta Cheese: a simple and delicious recipe

If you're looking for a quick and healthy recipe, zucchini fritters with feta cheese are the perfect choice! These fritters are not only tasty but also very easy to prepare, making them ideal as an appetizer or a main dish alongside a fresh salad. Here’s how you can bring this delicious dish to your table!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 2 zucchinis (approximately 600 g)
- 100 g feta cheese
- 50 g flour
- 1 bunch of fresh dill
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying

Step by step:

1. Preparing the zucchinis:
Start by peeling the zucchinis. Choose young and fresh zucchinis, as they have a sweeter taste and finer texture. Larger zucchinis may have big seeds and a watery texture. After peeling, grate them using a large grater. Place the grated zucchinis in a sieve and let them drain for 10 minutes. This step is essential to remove excess water, so the fritters will be less soggy and fry better.

2. Preparing the mixture:
In a bowl, beat the egg well. Add salt and pepper to taste, then incorporate the drained zucchinis. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Next, crumble the feta cheese with a fork and add it to the mixture. The feta cheese will provide a salty and creamy flavor to the fritters.

3. Adding dry ingredients:
Add the flour and finely chopped dill to the bowl. The flour will help bind the ingredients, giving them a pleasant texture. Mix everything very well. You can adjust the amount of flour based on the moisture of the zucchinis; if the mixture is too wet, you can add a little more flour, but be careful not to make it too dense.

4. Frying the fritters:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and drizzle with a little olive oil. Olive oil not only adds a wonderful flavor but is also a healthier choice. Using a spoon, form fritters from the mixture and place them in the skillet, leaving a little space between them. Fry for about 1 minute on each side until golden and crispy.

5. Finishing and serving:
After frying, remove the fritters onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil. Serve them warm, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for a delicious contrast. These fritters are also excellent cold, so you can prepare them a day in advance!

Practical tips:
- Zucchinis are very versatile; you can add other herbs like basil or parsley for a different flavor.
- Instead of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or mozzarella for a creamier version.
- If you want to make them heartier, you can also add some corn or finely chopped olives to the mixture.
- These fritters can be easily frozen. Fry them, let them cool, then store them in freezer bags.

Nutritional values (per serving, estimated):
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use frozen zucchinis?
- It is recommended to use fresh zucchinis for the best texture and flavor. Freezing can affect the consistency.

2. Can I bake the fritters?
- Yes! If you want a healthier version, you can place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them at 200°C for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

3. What can I serve the zucchini fritters with?
- These fritters are delicious served with yogurt and garlic sauce, tahini sauce, or even alongside a tomato and cucumber salad.

Zucchini fritters with feta cheese are not only a tasty recipe but also an excellent way to introduce vegetables into your diet in a pleasant way. I hope you enjoy every bite! Cook with love and don’t hesitate to share the recipe with your loved ones!