Mediterranean Herb-Infused Zucchini Fritters
Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with these Herb-Infused Zucchini Fritters, a delightful dish that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or stands alone as a satisfying appetizer. These fritters feature a blend of fresh herbs, zesty feta, and crunchy walnuts for texture and flavor. Whether served warm as a side dish or at room temperature for a picnic, they promise to be a crowd-pleaser, making them a fantastic addition to your next gathering or dinner party.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Zucchini
1 lb (trimmed and coarsely grated)
Green onions
2 cups (chopped)
Eggs
4 (beaten to blend)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup
Fresh dill
1/3 cup (chopped (or 1 1/2 tablespoons dried))
Fresh parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
Fresh tarragon
2 tablespoons (chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Feta cheese
1/2 cup (crumbled (about 3 oz.))
Walnuts
2/3 cup (chopped (about 3 oz.))
Olive oil
as needed (for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by grating the zucchini and placing it in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2
After 30 minutes, gather the zucchini in your hands and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Then, wrap the zucchini in several layers of paper towels and squeeze again to ensure it’s dry.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chopped green onions, beaten eggs, flour, chopped dill, parsley, tarragon, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
4
Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, ensuring an even distribution throughout the mixture.
5
If preparing in advance, you can cover the zucchini mixture tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 hours. Before frying, stir to recombine.
6
Add the chopped walnuts to the zucchini mixture and fold gently until incorporated.
7
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place a baking sheet inside to keep the cooked fritters warm.
8
In a large non-stick skillet, heat enough olive oil to cover the bottom in a thin layer over medium-high heat.
9
Using a heaping tablespoon, drop portions of the zucchini mixture into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
10
Fry the fritters for about 3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
11
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to the preheated baking sheet in the oven to keep warm until all the fritters are ready to serve.
12
Enjoy these flavorful fritters hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Herb-Infused Zucchini Fritters?
They are a vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring fresh herbs, zesty feta, and crunchy walnuts, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.
How much zucchini is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 lb of zucchini, trimmed and coarsely grated.
Why do I need to salt the zucchini before cooking?
Sprinkling the grated zucchini with salt and letting it sit for 30 minutes helps to draw out excess moisture, ensuring the fritters aren't soggy.
How do I ensure the zucchini is dry enough?
Squeeze the zucchini by hand first, then wrap it in several layers of paper towels and squeeze again to remove as much liquid as possible.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh dill?
Yes, you can substitute 1/3 cup of fresh dill with 1 1/2 tablespoons of dried dill.
What can I use if I don't have fresh tarragon?
You can use 2 teaspoons of dried tarragon instead of the 2 tablespoons of fresh tarragon called for in the recipe.
How many eggs are used in these fritters?
The recipe requires 4 eggs, beaten to blend.
What type of flour should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to help bind the zucchini mixture.
What kind of cheese is added to the mixture?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup (about 3 oz) of crumbled feta cheese.
Are there nuts in these zucchini fritters?
Yes, 2/3 cup (about 3 oz) of chopped walnuts are folded into the mixture for extra texture.
Can I prepare the zucchini mixture in advance?
Yes, you can cover the mixture tightly and refrigerate it for up to 3 hours before frying.
Should I stir the mixture after it has been refrigerated?
Yes, stir the mixture to recombine the ingredients before you begin frying.
What is the best way to keep the fritters warm while cooking in batches?
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and place a baking sheet inside to hold the cooked fritters.
What type of oil is recommended for frying?
Olive oil is recommended for frying the fritters.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
How much mixture should I use for each fritter?
Use a heaping tablespoon to drop portions of the mixture into the hot skillet.
How long do the fritters take to cook?
Fry them for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these Mediterranean Zucchini Fritters are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I serve these fritters cold?
Yes, they can be served hot as a side dish or at room temperature, making them great for picnics.
What herbs are included in this recipe?
The recipe features a blend of fresh dill, fresh parsley, and fresh tarragon.
How many green onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of chopped green onions.
What is the serving suggestion for these fritters?
They pair perfectly with grilled meats or can stand alone as a satisfying appetizer.
How much salt and pepper should I add to the batter?
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper to the mixture.
When should I add the walnuts?
Add the chopped walnuts to the mixture and fold them in gently just before frying.
Should the skillet be crowded while frying?
No, ensure not to overcrowd the pan so that the fritters cook evenly and remain crispy.
What is the texture of these fritters?
They are savory and tender on the inside with a bit of crunch from the walnuts and a golden-brown exterior.
Can I garnish the fritters?
Yes, you can garnish them with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Is a specific type of skillet recommended?
A large non-stick skillet is recommended to prevent the fritters from sticking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients including the zucchini, herbs, eggs, flour, cheese, nuts, and oil.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe because it uses fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy fats from walnuts and olive oil.