Garden-Style Vegetable Fritters with Fresh Corn Salsa
Indulge in these delightful Garden-Style Vegetable Fritters, crafted from a vibrant mix of grated zucchini, carrots, and sweet corn, perfectly seasoned with cumin and topped with a zesty corn salsa. These fritters are not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to serve as a hearty vegetarian lunch or a light dinner. The delightful crunch of the fritters combined with the freshness of the corn salsa creates a symphony of flavors, making this dish a budget-friendly choice that's packed with nutrients. Whether you're looking for a gluten-free option or not, these fritters can easily be adapted to suit dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a serving of this delicious meal. Perfect for sharing with friends or family, these fritters are a crowd-pleaser that will brighten any table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
zucchini
1 cup (grated (about 1 medium-sized zucchini))
carrot
1/2 cup (grated (about 1 medium-sized carrot))
corn kernels
1 cup (drained canned corn kernels or defrosted from frozen)
cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
purple onion
1/2 cup (finely diced (about one small or 1/2 larger sized onion))
oil
2 teaspoons
ground cumin
1-2 teaspoons
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
baking powder
3 teaspoons (ensure gluten-free if required)
eggs
2
milk
1 cup
extra oil
as needed (for cooking)
bottled salsa
1 (8 ounce) bottle (of jarred tomato-based salsa)
sour cream
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, grated carrots, 1/2 cup corn kernels, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper.
2
In a skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium heat. Add chopped purple onion and ground cumin, stirring until the onions are softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Incorporate the sautéed onion mixture into the vegetable mixture and stir well until combined.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the vegetable mixture until just combined.
5
In the same empty bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth. Fold this mixture into the fritter batter until fully incorporated. Adjust the consistency of the batter by adding extra milk if it's too thick or extra flour if it's too thin.
6
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil for pan-frying. Once the oil is hot, drop large spoonfuls of the batter into the pan.
7
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Work in batches if necessary, keeping cooked fritters warm in an oven covered with foil.
8
While the fritters are cooking, prepare the fresh corn salsa by mixing together the additional 1/2 cup corn kernels, 1/4 cup finely chopped purple onion, 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to taste.
9
To serve, arrange two or three fritters on each plate and generously top with the bottled salsa, followed by the fresh corn salsa, and add a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Garden-Style Vegetable Fritters?
They are delightful crispy patties crafted from a vibrant mix of grated zucchini, carrots, and sweet corn, seasoned with cumin.
Are these vegetable fritters vegetarian?
Yes, these fritters are a hearty vegetarian option suitable for lunch or dinner.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily adapt this recipe by using gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensuring your baking powder is gluten-free.
What vegetables are needed for the batter?
The batter requires grated zucchini, grated carrots, corn kernels, and chopped cilantro.
How do I prepare the zucchini for the recipe?
You should grate approximately one medium-sized zucchini to yield about 1 cup.
How much carrot is required?
You need about 1/2 cup of grated carrot, which is roughly one medium-sized carrot.
What kind of corn should I use?
You can use either drained canned corn kernels or corn that has been defrosted from frozen.
How do I season the fritter mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with ground cumin, salt, black pepper, and fresh cilantro.
Why do I need to sauté the onions?
Sautéing the purple onion with cumin for 3-4 minutes softens the onions and releases the aroma of the spices.
How do I combine the dry ingredients?
Whisk the all-purpose flour and baking powder together in a separate bowl before gradually stirring them into the vegetable mixture.
What liquid ingredients are used in the batter?
The batter uses a whisked mixture of two eggs and one cup of milk.
What should I do if my batter is too thick?
If the batter is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of extra milk.
What should I do if my batter is too thin?
If the batter is too thin, you can add a little bit of extra flour until it reaches the right consistency.
How do I cook the fritters?
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and drop large spoonfuls of batter into the pan, pan-frying until golden.
How long does it take to cook each fritter?
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
How can I keep the fritters warm while cooking in batches?
You can keep cooked fritters warm in an oven covered with foil while you finish the remaining batter.
What is in the fresh corn salsa?
The fresh corn salsa is a mix of corn kernels, finely chopped purple onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
How many fritters should I serve per plate?
It is recommended to arrange two or three fritters on each plate for a serving.
What toppings are recommended for these fritters?
Top the fritters with bottled tomato-based salsa, the fresh corn salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
Is this recipe budget-friendly?
Yes, these fritters use accessible, low-cost ingredients like zucchini, carrots, and corn, making them a budget-friendly choice.
Can I serve this for a light dinner?
Absolutely, these fritters are versatile and light enough for a dinner while still being nutrient-packed.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for purple onion, which provides a nice color and flavor both in the fritters and the salsa.
How much flour is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour or a gluten-free alternative.
Does the recipe require baking powder?
Yes, 3 teaspoons of baking powder are used to help the fritters rise and become light.
How much oil is needed for frying?
You should use enough oil to adequately pan-fry the fritters, adding more as needed between batches.
Can I use fresh corn instead of canned or frozen?
Yes, fresh corn cut off the cob would work perfectly in this recipe.
What is the role of cumin in this dish?
Ground cumin provides a warm, earthy spice profile that complements the sweetness of the corn and carrots.
How much cilantro do I need in total?
You need 1/4 cup for the batter and an additional 1/4 cup for the fresh corn salsa.
What kind of bottled salsa is used?
The recipe suggests an 8-ounce bottle of jarred tomato-based salsa.
Is this a good recipe for sharing?
Yes, these fritters are a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any table when sharing with friends or family.