Tsigaridia with Lemon and Herbs

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini (about 300g) 2 medium zucchini (about 300g)
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mint 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup (120ml) sparkling water 1/2 cup (120ml) sparkling water
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat: 5g (Saturated Fat: 0.5g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 2g)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Slice the zucchini into thin rounds, about 1/4 inch thick.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried mint, and lemon zest.
3. 3.
   Gradually add the sparkling water to the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
4. 4.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
5. 5.
   Dip each zucchini slice into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off, and carefully place it into the hot oil.
6. 6.
   Fry the zucchini slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
7. 7.
   Remove the fried zucchini slices from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. 8.
   Serve the Tsigaridia hot, garnished with a sprinkle of salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Zucchini — Choose small to medium-sized zucchini for the best flavor and texture. Make sure to slice them evenly to ensure even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• For a lighter version, you can bake the Tsigaridia in the oven instead of frying. Simply place the coated zucchini slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish. Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.

Serving advice

Serve the Tsigaridia as a delicious appetizer or side dish alongside a refreshing Greek tzatziki sauce for dipping. It pairs well with a crisp Greek salad and some warm pita bread.

Presentation advice

Arrange the golden-brown Tsigaridia slices on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like mint and oregano. Squeeze some lemon juice over the top for an extra burst of flavor. The vibrant colors and crispy texture will make this dish visually appealing.