Fried Zucchini Pancakes

by
Crispy fried zucchini pancakes served on a plate with a dipping sauce.

Fried Zucchini Pancakes: A Delicious and Healthy Treat

If you’re searching for a tasty and nutritious way to use up fresh zucchini, look no further! Fried zucchini pancakes are a delightful addition to any meal, featuring a perfect balance of savory flavors and a satisfying texture. This dish can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light main course. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that combines wholesome ingredients to create a dish loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

US Measurements

  • 1 medium zucchini
  • 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

European Metric Measurements

  • 1 medium zucchini (approximately 200g)
  • 75g all-purpose flour
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 250g cottage cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Begin by cutting the zucchini into thin slices. Place the slices in a baking dish.

  2. Salt the Zucchini: Sprinkle a little salt over the sliced zucchini and mix well. Allow it to sit for about 3-5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. After the time is up, squeeze the slices to remove any liquid.

  3. Add Seasoning: Sprinkle the zucchini slices with all-purpose flour, dried parsley, and ground black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the zucchini is coated.

  4. Incorporate Cottage Cheese: Next, add the cottage cheese to the zucchini mixture and stir well to combine.

  5. Prepare the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Once beaten, pour the eggs into the zucchini and cottage cheese mixture. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

  6. Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, heat a generous amount of vegetable oil over medium heat.

  7. Fry the Pancakes: Using a spoon or small scoop, place small portions of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan.

  8. Cook Until Golden: Fry the zucchini pancakes on each side until they are golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Nutritional Information and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: Makes about 4-6 pancakes
  • Nutritional Information (per pancake):

    • Calories: 120
    • Protein: 8g
    • Carbohydrates: 10g
    • Fat: 5g
    • Fiber: 1g

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Zucchini Prepping: For an added flavor boost, consider grating the zucchini instead of slicing it. This will help the pancakes cook faster and integrate more thoroughly with the other ingredients.

  2. Crowd Control: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Fry in batches to ensure each pancake cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.

  3. Freezing Leftovers: These pancakes freeze well! Allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for a quick and delicious meal.

Variations

  1. Herbed Zucchini Pancakes: For a fresh twist, add finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or dill to the mixture. This will enhance the flavor profile and create a garden-fresh taste.

  2. Cheesy Zucchini Pancakes: Incorporate shredded cheese – such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta – into the batter for a cheesy variation that adds creaminess and richness to the pancakes.

Enjoy these fried zucchini pancakes as a delightful and nutritious addition to your meal planning. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!