Golden Garden Squash Fritters
These delightful Golden Garden Squash Fritters celebrate the essence of summer with fresh, grated crookneck yellow squash, reminiscent of family gatherings and sunny afternoons in the mid-Atlantic coastal regions. Every bite delivers a burst of flavor, enhanced by the sweetness of onion (if you choose to include it) and the rich, buttery aroma that fills your kitchen. This recipe is inspired by cherished memories in my mom's kitchen, where she crafted these fritters with love and just the right amount of magic. Not only are they a perfect side dish, but they can also be served as a delicious appetizer or snack. Ideal for using up an abundant squash harvest from your garden, these fritters are sure to become a summertime favorite in your household, providing comfort and nostalgia with every crispy, golden bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crookneck Yellow Squash
2 cups (Grated)
Medium Onion
1 (Grated (optional))
Salt
3/4 teaspoon (None)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (None)
Oil (Canola or Olive)
2 tablespoons (None)
Egg
1 (Beaten well)
Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (None)
All-Purpose Flour
6 tablespoons (None)
Butter
3 tablespoons (For frying)
Instructions
1
Start by grating the yellow squash and optional onion using a box grater or a food processor. Place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
2
Add salt, sugar, oil, and the well-beaten egg to the bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are combined evenly.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the baking powder with the all-purpose flour until well combined. Gradually add the flour mixture to the squash mixture, stirring gently until no dry flour is visible. Be careful not to overmix.
4
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter, allowing it to melt and bubble slightly.
5
Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the squash batter into the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each fritter for about 2-3 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and bubbles appear on the surface.
6
Carefully flip each fritter using a spatula and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the other side is also golden brown.
7
Remove the fritters from the skillet and drain on paper towels to absorb excess butter. If necessary, add more butter to the skillet before repeating the process with the remaining batter.
8
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy the taste of summer!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Golden Garden Squash Fritters?
Golden Garden Squash Fritters are crispy, flavorful patties made with fresh grated crookneck yellow squash, inspired by traditional recipes from the mid-Atlantic coastal regions.
What type of squash is recommended for this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses crookneck yellow squash to celebrate the essence of summer flavors.
Is the onion mandatory in this recipe?
No, the medium onion is an optional ingredient and can be included or omitted based on your preference.
How should I prepare the squash and onion?
Both the yellow squash and the optional onion should be grated using either a box grater or a food processor.
What ingredients are used for the batter base?
The batter base consists of grated squash, salt, sugar, oil, and a well-beaten egg.
How much flour is needed for these fritters?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Why is baking powder included in the recipe?
Baking powder is used as a leavening agent to help the fritters achieve a light and airy texture.
What kind of oil should I add to the batter?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either canola oil or olive oil in the squash mixture.
What is the purpose of adding sugar to the fritters?
One tablespoon of sugar is added to enhance the natural sweetness of the squash and onion.
How much salt is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the frying medium for this recipe?
The fritters are fried in 3 tablespoons of butter to give them a rich, buttery aroma.
At what heat should the fritters be cooked?
You should heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat before adding the butter and batter.
How do I portion the batter into the pan?
Use a spoon or a small ice cream scoop to drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot skillet.
How long do the fritters need to fry on each side?
Fry each fritter for about 2-3 minutes per side until they reach a golden brown color.
How do I know when the fritters are ready to flip?
Fritters are ready to flip when the edges turn golden brown and small bubbles appear on the surface.
What should I do after removing the fritters from the pan?
Place the cooked fritters on paper towels to drain and absorb any excess butter.
Can I cook all the fritters at once?
It is important not to overcrowd the pan; cook them in batches and add more butter to the skillet if necessary between rounds.
How should I serve Golden Garden Squash Fritters?
Serve them warm, and optionally garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Can these be served as an appetizer?
Yes, they are versatile enough to be served as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a snack.
Is it okay to overmix the flour into the squash?
No, you should stir gently until no dry flour is visible, being careful not to overmix to maintain the best texture.
What makes this recipe nostalgic?
The recipe is inspired by the creator's memories of their mother's kitchen and family gatherings in the mid-Atlantic region.
Are these fritters good for using up garden produce?
Yes, they are an ideal way to utilize an abundant squash harvest from a summer garden.
What is the texture of the finished fritters?
They have a crispy, golden exterior with a soft, flavorful vegetable interior.
Can I use a food processor instead of a box grater?
Yes, a food processor is a perfectly acceptable alternative for grating the squash and onion.
How many cups of squash are needed?
You will need exactly 2 cups of grated crookneck yellow squash.
Should the egg be beaten before adding to the mix?
Yes, the egg should be well-beaten before being incorporated into the squash mixture.
Does the recipe require a specific type of skillet?
A heavy skillet is recommended for the best heat distribution while frying.
Can I use olive oil instead of canola oil?
Yes, the recipe allows for either canola or olive oil depending on your preference.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized as a vegetable dish and comfort food.
What is the final step before eating?
The final step is to enjoy the taste of summer while the fritters are still warm.