Crispy Turkish Zucchini Fritters with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
Indulge in the delightful taste of these crispy Turkish Zucchini Fritters, also known as Kabak Mücveri. Perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, these fritters make for a delicious appetizer or side dish. Made with fresh, sweet zucchini and infused with the flavors of green onions, dill, and parsley, these fritters are versatile enough to serve warm or at room temperature. Enhance their charm by topping them with creamy garlic-lemon yogurt, or enjoy them with a variety of fresh garnishes like black olives, chopped tomatoes, or slices of hard-boiled egg. Ideal for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings, these delightful bites are sure to impress and complement any spicy or grilled dish. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavors, they are a fresh take on a classic Mediterranean delicacy.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 lb (Grated and drained)
Green onion (spring)
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Yellow onion
1 small (Grated)
Fresh dill
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Flat-leaf parsley
4 tablespoons (Chopped)
Kasseri cheese or feta cheese
1/2 cup (Grated or crumbled)
Eggs
4 (Slightly beaten)
All-purpose flour
1 cup (Unprepared)
Fresh ground pepper
To taste (Unprepared)
Olive oil
For frying (Unprepared)
Instructions
1
Begin by grating the zucchini and placing it in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and allow it to drain for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture. After this time, gather the zucchini in your hands and squeeze out any additional liquid, then pat it dry with paper towels.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini with the chopped green onions, grated yellow onion, fresh dill, parsley, and cheese. Add the slightly beaten eggs, followed by the all-purpose flour. Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3
Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about ¼ inch deep. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the fritter batter into the pan, leaving enough space between each fritter to allow for even cooking.
4
Fry the fritters for about 2 minutes on the first side, or until they are golden brown. Gently flip each fritter and continue to fry for another 3 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden. Using a slotted spatula, transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels or newspaper to drain excess oil.
5
Continue the frying process with the remaining batter. Serve the fritters hot or at room temperature, accompanied by a cooling garlic-lemon yogurt sauce for the perfect balance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Turkish name for these zucchini fritters?
These Turkish Zucchini Fritters are traditionally known as Kabak Mücveri.
How should I prepare the zucchini for the fritters?
Grate the zucchini, sprinkle it with salt, and let it drain in a colander for 30 minutes. Then, squeeze out any remaining moisture and pat dry with paper towels.
How long should the zucchini drain after salting?
The zucchini should be allowed to drain for at least 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
What fresh herbs are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of fresh dill, 4 tablespoons of chopped flat-leaf parsley, and 1/2 cup of chopped green onions.
What kind of cheese can I use for Turkish zucchini fritters?
You can use either 1/2 cup of grated Kasseri cheese or crumbled feta cheese.
How many eggs are required for the batter?
The recipe calls for 4 slightly beaten eggs to bind the fritter ingredients.
What type of flour is used in the mixture?
One cup of all-purpose flour is used to create the fritter batter.
What is the recommended cooking oil for frying?
Olive oil is recommended for frying the fritters to achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
How much oil should I put in the pan?
The olive oil should be approximately 1/4 inch deep in the sauté pan.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it is hot and shimmering before adding the batter.
How much batter is used for each fritter?
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of the batter into the pan for each individual fritter.
How long do the fritters take to cook on each side?
Fry the fritters for about 2 minutes on the first side and another 3 minutes on the second side.
How can I tell when the fritters are done?
They are ready when both sides are crispy and have a beautiful golden brown color.
What should I do after removing the fritters from the pan?
Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels or newspaper to drain any excess oil.
What sauce goes well with these zucchini fritters?
A cooling garlic-lemon yogurt sauce is highly recommended for serving with these fritters.
Can these fritters be served cold?
Yes, these versatile fritters can be served either hot or at room temperature.
What are some good garnishes for this dish?
Excellent garnishes include black olives, chopped tomatoes, or slices of hard-boiled egg.
Is there yellow onion in the recipe as well as green onion?
Yes, the recipe uses one small grated yellow onion in addition to the chopped green onions.
What is the texture of the finished fritter?
The fritters are designed to be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
How much zucchini do I need for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 pound of zucchini.
Should the eggs be beaten before adding them to the bowl?
Yes, the eggs should be slightly beaten before being combined with the other ingredients.
What is the purpose of salting the zucchini?
Salting draws out excess water from the zucchini, which prevents the fritters from becoming soggy.
Are these fritters suitable for a party?
Absolutely, they are ideal for parties, family dinners, or casual gatherings as an appetizer or side dish.
What kind of parsley should I use?
The recipe specifies using fresh flat-leaf parsley for the best flavor.
Can I serve these with grilled meats?
Yes, these fritters are a great fresh side dish that complements spicy or grilled dishes well.
How do I ensure the fritters cook evenly?
When frying, leave enough space between each fritter in the pan to allow for even heat distribution.
How do I season the fritter mixture?
Mix in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after combining the main ingredients.
Is this dish considered Middle Eastern cuisine?
Yes, it is a classic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delicacy from Turkish culinary traditions.
What tool is best for flipping the fritters?
A slotted spatula is ideal for flipping the fritters and later transferring them to drain.
Can I use fresh ground pepper?
Yes, fresh ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.