Vegan Zucchini Stick Fritters: The Quick and Tasty Recipe You Can’t Miss
Ingredients:
- For the Fritters:
- 3 zucchini
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 onion
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 carrot
- Chives (to taste)
- Paprika (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Oregano (to taste)
- 1 garlic clove
- 150 g of corn
- 1 flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 Tbsp water)
- 120 g of all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp of low-fat vegan yogurt
- 1 pickle
- 1 garlic clove
- Dill (to taste)
Directions:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of low-fat vegan yogurt, 1 finely chopped pickle, 1 minced garlic clove, and dill to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Grate and Salt the Zucchini:
- Grate the zucchini and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy fritters.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and grated carrot. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. This process enhances the flavor of the fritters.
- Prepare the Flax Egg:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will act as a binder, replacing the egg in the original recipe.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Squeeze the excess moisture from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Place the zucchini in a large bowl. Add the sautéed carrot and onion, chopped chives, paprika, black pepper, oregano, minced garlic, corn, flax egg, and flour. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Shape and Cook the Fritters:
- Shape the mixture into small fritters. In a pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the fritters in batches, frying each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Add more oil as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the zucchini stick fritters hot, accompanied by the prepared yogurt sauce. These fritters are a perfect appetizer or snack, bursting with flavor and nutrition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 3 fritters):
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 4g
Tips for Success:
- Moisture Removal: Ensure the zucchini is well-squeezed to remove as much moisture as possible. This prevents the fritters from becoming soggy.
- Flour Options: For a gluten-free version, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour. Chickpea flour also adds a slight nutty flavor and extra protein.
- Spice Variations: Adjust the seasoning to your preference. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: These fritters pair well with a fresh salad, or you can serve them in a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and extra sauce for a delicious meal.
Additional Information:
- Storage: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to retain their crispiness.
- Freezing: These fritters can be frozen. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven.
Enjoy these vegan zucchini stick fritters as a healthy and delicious snack or appetizer. They are quick to make and packed with wholesome ingredients, making them a perfect addition to your meal rotation.