Greek-style Zucchini Fritters

Greek Zucchini Fritters Recipe - Vegetarian Dish from Greece

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Greek-style Zucchini Fritters are a delicious and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. These fritters are made with grated zucchini, fresh mint, green onion, feta cheese, and flour, creating a crispy and savory treat that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Zucchini fritters have been a popular dish in Greek cuisine for many years. The combination of zucchini, herbs, and cheese creates a tasty and satisfying dish that is loved by many. These fritters are often served during the summer months when zucchini is in season and are a great way to use up an abundance of this versatile vegetable.

Ingredients

2 cups grated zucchini, squeezed to drain
3 handfuls fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, and mint, chopped
1 green onion, chopped
0.25 cup crumbled feta
0.5 cup flour
1 egg
salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive, canola, vegetable, or corn oil

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the zucchini, herbs, green onion, feta, flour, egg, salt, and pepper.
Heat the oil in a pan.
Spoon the zucchini mixture into the pan and cook until golden-brown on both sides, approximately 4 minutes per side. Serve hot, plain, or with other side dishes or appetizers.

Variations

Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or olives for an extra burst of flavor.
Use different herbs, such as dill or parsley, to change up the taste of the fritters.
Substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to squeeze the grated zucchini to remove excess moisture before combining it with the other ingredients. This will help prevent the fritters from becoming soggy.

- Use a non-stick pan and heat the oil over medium-high heat to ensure that the fritters cook evenly and become crispy.

- Serve the fritters hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Greek-style Zucchini Fritters can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with tzatziki sauce, hummus, or a simple Greek salad.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Greek-style Zucchini Fritters is to ensure that the oil is hot before adding the zucchini mixture to the pan. This will help the fritters cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with another type of cheese, such as goat cheese or Parmesan. You can also use gluten-free flour if you have dietary restrictions.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the zucchini mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook the fritters. This will save you time and make it easier to enjoy this delicious dish whenever you want.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Greek-style Zucchini Fritters on a platter with a dollop of tzatziki sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Greek-style Zucchini Fritters pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads. They also go well with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the fritters in a preheated oven or toaster oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greek-style Zucchini Fritters contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Greek-style Zucchini Fritters contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Greek-style Zucchini Fritters contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Greek-style Zucchini Fritters contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. The fresh mint in this recipe adds additional vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Greek-style Zucchini Fritters are a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. They are a great way to enjoy the flavors of Greek cuisine while incorporating healthy ingredients like zucchini and fresh herbs.

Summary

Greek-style Zucchini Fritters are a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With their crispy exterior and flavorful interior, these fritters are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish and savor the flavors of Greek cuisine in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Greek-style Zucchini Fritters. It was a hot summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a wonderful cook, and her house always smelled of delicious aromas that made my mouth water.

As I walked into her kitchen, I noticed Maria standing over the stove, carefully flipping golden brown fritters in a skillet. The sizzle of the hot oil and the fragrant smell of zucchini and herbs filled the room. I couldn't help but ask her what she was making.

Maria smiled and said, "These are my famous Greek-style Zucchini Fritters. They are a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to learn how to make them?"

I eagerly agreed, and Maria began to show me the steps. She grated fresh zucchini into a bowl, added chopped herbs like dill and mint, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of flour. She cracked a couple of eggs into the mixture and seasoned it with salt and pepper. Maria then mixed everything together until it formed a thick batter.

Next, she heated some olive oil in a skillet and dropped spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil. The fritters sizzled and bubbled as they cooked, turning golden brown and crispy on the edges. Maria flipped them over with a spatula, and soon, the fritters were ready to be served.

I eagerly tried one of the fritters, and it was absolutely delicious. The zucchini was tender, the herbs added a fresh flavor, and the feta cheese gave it a creamy texture. I couldn't believe how simple yet flavorful the recipe was.

Maria explained that her grandmother had taught her how to make these fritters when she was a young girl. She had fond memories of helping her grandmother in the kitchen, grating zucchinis and mixing the batter. Maria's grandmother had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had brought it with her when she immigrated from Greece many years ago.

I was captivated by the story behind the recipe and the tradition of passing it down through generations. I asked Maria if she could write down the recipe for me so that I could make it at home. She happily agreed and handed me a piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions neatly written out.

When I returned home, I couldn't wait to try making the Greek-style Zucchini Fritters myself. I gathered the ingredients and followed Maria's instructions carefully, grating the zucchinis, mixing the batter, and frying the fritters in hot oil. The aroma of the fritters cooking brought back memories of my visit to Maria's kitchen, and I felt a sense of connection to her and her family through the shared recipe.

As I served the fritters to my own family, I watched their faces light up with delight as they tasted the crispy, flavorful bites. It felt like I was continuing a tradition that had been passed down through generations, connecting me to my friend Maria and her family in a special way.

Since that day, Greek-style Zucchini Fritters have become a staple in my own kitchen. I make them often, always thinking of Maria and her grandmother as I grate the zucchinis and mix the batter. The simple yet delicious recipe has brought joy to my family and friends, and I am grateful for the day I learned how to make it from Maria.

In the end, I realize that recipes are more than just instructions for cooking. They are a way to connect with our past, our loved ones, and our heritage. Each dish tells a story, and the Greek-style Zucchini Fritters will always remind me of the day I learned how to make them from my dear friend Maria.