Savory Zucchini Fritters

Ingredients

In this fast food adaptation, the traditional Turkish dessert kabak tatlısı is transformed into savory zucchini fritters. The original sweet dish is made by cooking zucchini in syrup, whereas the fast food version focuses on creating a savory and crispy fritter. The flavors and ingredients have been adjusted to suit the fast food context, while still capturing the essence of Turkish cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Kabak tatlısı, so you can check it out.

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated 2 medium zucchinis, grated
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g) 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (30g) 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (30g)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 23g, 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Squeeze out the liquid from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, chopped onion, minced garlic, all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, parsley, dill, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Take a small portion of the zucchini mixture and shape it into a patty. Gently place it in the hot oil and flatten it slightly with a spatula. Repeat with the remaining mixture, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
5. 5.
   Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
6. 6.
   Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the savory zucchini fritters hot with a side of yogurt sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated zucchini to prevent the fritters from becoming soggy.
• All-purpose flour — If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Breadcrumbs — For a healthier alternative, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, add crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan to the zucchini mixture.
• Serve the fritters with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing tang.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the fritters.
• To make the fritters spicier, add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the zucchini mixture.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the fritters in the oven instead of frying them.

Serving advice

Serve the savory zucchini fritters as a main course with a side salad or as a delicious appetizer. They can also be enjoyed as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

Presentation advice

Arrange the crispy zucchini fritters on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. Serve them with a dollop of yogurt sauce or a drizzle of tahini sauce for added creaminess.