Cheesy Vegetable Fritters are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a light meal. These fritters combine the goodness of vegetables with the richness of cheese, creating a crispy, savory treat. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
Cheesy Vegetable Fritters Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini (grated)
- 1 medium carrot (grated)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, can be replaced with any vegetable of your choice)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or basil), finely chopped (optional)
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables:
- Grate the zucchini and carrot using a coarse grater or food processor. Place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent the fritters from being soggy.
- If using frozen peas and corn, thaw them first and drain excess water.
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Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, grated carrot, corn kernels, peas (if using), shredded cheese, and parmesan (if using).
- Add the flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the vegetable mixture. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour to bind it.
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Form the Fritters:
- Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape it into a small patty or fritter. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
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Cook the Fritters:
- Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the fritters to the pan, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the fritters are golden brown and crispy. Flip gently with a spatula.
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Drain the Fritters:
- Once cooked, remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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Serve:
- Serve the cheesy vegetable fritters warm with your favorite dipping sauce (like sour cream, yogurt, or a spicy ketchup). They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or a side of avocado.
Tips:
- Vegetable Variations: You can substitute or add other vegetables like bell peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a crispy finish: If you want even crispier fritters, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes after frying, flipping halfway through.
- Make-ahead: These fritters can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat in a skillet to crisp them up.
Enjoy your Cheesy Vegetable Fritters! They’re perfect for snacking or serving as a side dish. Let me know if you have any other questions or need further variations!