Zucchini Patties

Zucchini Patties Recipe with Flour, Eggs, and Seasonings

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Zucchini patties are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. These crispy and flavorful patties are made with grated zucchini, flour, eggs, and seasonings, then pan-fried until golden brown. They are a great way to use up an abundance of zucchini from your garden or local farmers market.

History

Zucchini patties have been a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. Zucchini, also known as courgette, is a summer squash that is native to the Americas but was brought to Europe by explorers in the 16th century. The versatile vegetable quickly became a staple in Mediterranean cooking, where it is often used in fritters, stews, and salads.

Ingredients

2 tbsp butter or margarine
3 tbsp vegetable oil
3.5 cups zucchini, coarsely grated
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
0.5 tsp salt
0.13 tsp black pepper

How to prepare

Heat the butter and oil together in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat.
Meanwhile, quickly mix the zucchini with the flour, eggs, salt, and pepper to form a batter.
Drop tablespoonfuls of batter into the hot butter and oil to form 6 patties, each measuring 2 to 2.5 inches in diameter.
Flatten each patty slightly with the back of a spoon. Reserve the remaining batter.
Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crusty.
Remove them to a platter covered with paper towels and keep them warm in an oven preheated to 250°F (121°C).
Use the remaining batter to cook 6 more patties in the same manner, adding 1 more tablespoon of oil to the skillet if needed.

Variations

Add grated carrots or sweet potatoes to the batter for extra color and flavor.
Use different seasonings like cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Top the patties with a dollop of pesto or tzatziki sauce for a fresh and tangy flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the grated zucchini before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help prevent the patties from becoming soggy.

- For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, or minced garlic to the batter.

- Make sure the oil is hot before adding the batter to the skillet to ensure that the patties get crispy and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Zucchini patties can be served as a side dish with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, or as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Pan-frying is the best cooking technique for zucchini patties, as it allows them to get crispy and golden brown on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use olive oil or coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a different flavor.

- Cornstarch or almond flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the batter for the zucchini patties ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook them. Just be sure to mix the batter well before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the zucchini patties on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Zucchini patties pair well with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb, as well as with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover zucchini patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of zucchini patties contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of zucchini patties contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of zucchini patties contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of zucchini patties contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Zucchini is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and manganese.

Alergens

Zucchini patties may contain eggs and gluten from the flour, so they may not be suitable for those with egg or gluten allergies.

Summary

Zucchini patties are a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.

Summary

Zucchini patties are a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course. With a crispy exterior and a tender interior, these patties are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Zucchini Patties. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret for one of our weekly recipe exchanges. Margaret had a knack for finding the most unique and delicious recipes, and she always seemed to know just what I would enjoy.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on cups of steaming tea, Margaret pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her collection. She flipped through the pages with a smile on her face, her eyes sparkling with excitement. And that's when she found it - the recipe for Zucchini Patties.

I was immediately intrigued by the idea of using zucchini in a patty form. I had never tried anything quite like it before. Margaret explained that the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

Margaret's grandmother used to make these zucchini patties for her family on special occasions, and they quickly became a family favorite. Margaret herself had grown up enjoying these delicious patties, and she was eager to share the recipe with me.

I watched intently as Margaret gathered the ingredients and walked me through the steps of making the patties. She grated the zucchini and mixed it with breadcrumbs, eggs, and a blend of herbs and spices. The mixture formed into perfect little patties that she fried to a golden brown perfection.

The aroma that filled Margaret's kitchen was simply divine - a combination of fresh zucchini, savory herbs, and crispy breadcrumbs. I couldn't wait to taste the finished patties.

As Margaret plated the patties and garnished them with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, I eagerly took my first bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the zucchini was tender and flavorful, the herbs added a delicious depth of flavor, and the crispy exterior provided the perfect crunch.

I couldn't believe how something so simple could be so unbelievably delicious. I knew right then and there that this recipe for Zucchini Patties would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made these zucchini patties countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes. Sometimes I add a bit of cheese for extra richness, or swap out the herbs for something a bit more bold. But no matter how I choose to make them, the end result is always a crowd-pleaser.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Margaret's grandmother started so many years ago. And each time I make these zucchini patties, I am reminded of that warm summer day in Margaret's kitchen, where I first discovered the joy of cooking with fresh, simple ingredients.

So here's to Zucchini Patties - a recipe that has brought me so much joy and deliciousness over the years. May they continue to be a staple in my kitchen for many more years to come.