No Meat? Make These Crispy Potato Fritters for Lunch

When there’s no meat in the house and you need to put together a satisfying lunch quickly, these golden potato fritters are your perfect solution. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with savory cheese and aromatic seasonings, these simple patties transform humble potatoes into a complete meal that rivals any meat dish. With just a handful of everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, you can create a nutritious, budget-friendly lunch that the whole family will love. These fritters are so delicious that you’ll find yourself making them even when you do have meat available.

Ingredients

• 1 large potato (or 2 small potatoes), grated
• ½ medium onion, grated
• 2 large eggs
• 30 g (1 oz / ⅓ cup) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Spicy paprika to taste (optional)
• Vegetable oil or olive oil for frying

Instructions

Wash and peel 1 large potato. Using a box grater or food processor with a grating attachment, grate the potato using the medium-sized holes. Place the grated potato into a large mixing bowl.

Peel half an onion and grate it using the same grater directly into the bowl with the potato. If you get some larger onion pieces, don’t worry as they will add extra flavor and texture to the fritters.

Crack 2 eggs into the bowl with the grated potato and onion.

Add 30 grams of grated mozzarella cheese to the mixture. You can grate a small piece of mozzarella block or use pre-shredded cheese.

Season the mixture with salt to taste, black pepper to taste, and spicy paprika if you enjoy a bit of heat. The seasonings are completely adjustable based on your preferences.

Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the bowl. This helps bind the fritters together and creates a crispier exterior when fried.

If you have fresh parsley or cilantro available, chop about 1 tablespoon and add it to the mixture for extra freshness and color. This ingredient is optional but adds a nice touch.

Using a spoon or your hands, mix all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.

Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add enough vegetable oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan, about 2 to 3 tablespoons. You can also use olive oil or butter if preferred.

Once the oil is hot and shimmering, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture and carefully place it into the pan. Gently flatten it with the back of the spoon to form a patty about 1 cm thick. You can cook 2 to 4 fritters at a time depending on the size of your pan, making sure not to overcrowd them.

Fry the fritters for about 3 to 4 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden-brown crust to form. Watch the heat carefully to prevent burning.

Carefully flip each fritter using a spatula and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes on the second side until golden brown and crispy. The fritters should be cooked through and hold together well.

Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the pan as needed between batches.

Serve the potato fritters hot as a main dish for lunch, or as a side dish alongside salad, yogurt sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Time and Serving

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings (makes approximately 8-10 fritters)

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories: 195 | Protein: 10g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 8g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 120mg | Vitamin C: 15% DV | Iron: 8% DV

Why This Recipe Works

These potato fritters offer a surprisingly complete nutritional profile despite their simplicity and affordability. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates for energy along with vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6 essential for various body functions. The eggs contribute high-quality protein containing all nine essential amino acids needed for muscle maintenance and repair, while also providing vitamins A, D, and B12. The cheese adds calcium for bone health and additional protein. Onions offer antioxidants and compounds that support immune function and heart health. This combination creates a balanced meal that keeps you satisfied for hours without any meat. The recipe is incredibly economical, using inexpensive staple ingredients that most households always have on hand. The fritters are also versatile and can be customized with different herbs, spices, or vegetables based on what you have available. They’re perfect for using up leftover potatoes and make an excellent protein-rich option for vegetarians or anyone looking to reduce meat consumption without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.