Zucchini and Cheese Patties

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Cheesy zucchini patties served on a plate with fresh herbs.

Zucchini and Cheese Patties

Zucchini and cheese patties are a delightful and savory dish that’s perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. With a crispy exterior and a gooey cheese center, these patties are not only easy to make but also a fantastic way to incorporate vegetables into your diet. Let’s dive into how to prepare these delicious zucchini and cheese patties, accompanied by a creamy sauce that elevates the dish.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

  • 2 medium zucchini (approximately 300g)
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 medium potato (approximately 200g)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 medium carrot (approximately 100g)
  • A sprig of fresh parsley
  • 1 clove of garlic
  • Paprika and black pepper to season
  • 5 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (about 50g)
  • 120g cheese (such as feta or mozzarella)
  • Olive oil for frying

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt (about 30g)
  • 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (about 30g)
  • A handful of chopped parsley
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste

Directions

  1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by grating the zucchini and potato using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place them in a clean dish towel and squeeze out the excess moisture to avoid watery patties. Finely chop the carrot, fresh parsley, and garlic.

  2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, potato, chopped carrot, parsley, and minced garlic. Season the mixture with salt, paprika, and black pepper to taste. Next, add the eggs and flour to the vegetable mixture, ensuring that everything is well blended. Cut the cheese into small cubes or thin slices and set aside.

  3. Form and Fry the Patties: Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Using your hands, form small patties from the vegetable mixture, placing a piece of cheese in the center of each patty. Carefully coat each formed patty in flour to achieve a crispy crust. Fry the patties in the heated oil until they turn golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and salt to taste. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.

  5. Serve: Plate the zucchini and cheese patties hot, accompanied by the creamy yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Information & Preparation Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Approximate Calories per Serving: 220 calories
  • Fat: 12g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g

Cooking Tips and Tricks

  1. Squeeze Out Moisture: The key to achieving a crispy texture is to thoroughly squeeze out the moisture from the grated zucchini and potato. This prevents the patties from becoming soggy during cooking.

  2. Experiment with Cheese: Don’t hesitate to try different types of cheese in the patties. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack can enhance the flavor and add an exciting twist.

  3. Keep the Oil Hot: Ensure the olive oil is sufficiently hot before adding the patties to the pan. This helps form a golden crust and prevents the patties from absorbing too much oil.

Variations

  1. Herbed Zucchini Patties: Add minced fresh herbs like dill or chives to the mixture for an aromatic twist that complements the flavors of zucchini and cheese.

  2. Zucchini and Spinach Patties: For an added nutritional boost, incorporate finely chopped fresh spinach into the mixture. This variation not only enhances the flavor but also adds vibrant color to your patties.

Zucchini and cheese patties are a versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to please your taste buds!