Zucchini meatballs with cream cheese

Zucchini Fritters with Cream Cheese

Who doesn't love fritters? Today, however, I present you with a delicious, healthy, and vegetarian version: zucchini fritters with cream cheese. These fritters are not only a perfect choice for a light lunch or a quick dinner, but also an excellent option to incorporate more vegetables into your daily diet. With a soft texture and refined taste, they pair wonderfully with a flavored cream cheese, resulting in a dish that will impress any gourmet.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 2 eggs
- 2 packages of garlic-flavored cheese (such as Ceva Fin)
- 1 onion
- 3 tablespoons of semolina
- 1 tablespoon of breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Fresh dill, finely chopped
- 5 garlic cloves

Preparation:

1. Preparing the zucchinis: Start by peeling the zucchinis. Use a large grater to shred them. This step will not only help achieve a pleasant texture but will also allow for the extraction of excess water. After grating, sprinkle salt over the zucchinis and let them sit for about 10 minutes. Then, squeeze them well using a kitchen towel or a sieve to remove as much water as possible. This will prevent the fritters from being too wet.

2. Chopping the onion: Dice the onion into small cubes or grate it. This will add extra flavor to the fritters. If you want to enhance the aroma, you can sauté the onion in a tablespoon of oil until it becomes translucent before adding it to the zucchini mixture.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchinis, onion, eggs, garlic-flavored cheese, semolina, breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, and pressed garlic cloves. Mix everything well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper to your liking.

4. Forming the fritters: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Use a spoon to form mounds from the zucchini mixture and place them on the tray, leaving enough space between them to bake evenly. You can slightly flatten them with a spatula for a more uniform shape.

5. Baking: Place the tray in the preheated oven and let the fritters bake for 20 minutes. After this time, flip them with a spatula to brown evenly on both sides. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until they become golden and crispy.

6. Preparing the cream cheese: While the fritters are baking, you can prepare a simple cream cheese. Mix the remaining cheese with a bit of yogurt or sour cream, add salt, pepper, and, if desired, a splash of lemon juice. This mixture will add a fresh note and will contrast perfectly with the warmth of the fritters.

7. Serving: The zucchini fritters are delicious served warm, straight from the oven. You can enjoy them as they are, or use them as a filling for buns, adding slices of tomatoes, pickles, and, of course, the previously prepared cream cheese. This way, they turn into a true vegetarian "burger," perfect for a family meal or a party with friends.

Practical tips:
- Zucchinis can be replaced with other vegetables, such as carrots or pumpkin, to diversify the taste.
- If you want to make the fritters less dense, you can add a boiled and grated potato.
- Fritters can be easily frozen. Bake them, let them cool, then place them in freezer bags. When you want to serve them, you can reheat them in the oven or in a pan.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of cheese? Yes, feta cheese or cottage cheese are excellent alternatives.
- How can I make the fritters crispier? Make sure the zucchinis are well squeezed of water and do not add too much cheese.
- Can I fry them instead of baking? Absolutely! Fried, they will have a different texture but just as delicious.

Nutritional benefits:
Zucchini fritters are rich in vitamins and minerals, being an excellent source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Zucchinis are low in calories, making them an ideal choice for those who want to stay healthy and fit.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce based on mint, giving them a note of freshness. So, don't hesitate to play with the ingredients and add a personal touch to your recipe. Enjoy your meal!