Parmesan Zucchini Fritters: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

As the pleasant evening unfolds here in Marrakesh, the desire for a quick and flavorful bite often arises. Today, we’re sharing our recipe for Parmesan Zucchini Fritters: Easy & Delicious. These fritters combine grated zucchini with the savory richness of Parmesan cheese, bound together with egg and a touch of flour, then pan-fried to golden perfection. They’re a simple yet satisfying appetizer, snack, or light meal.

This recipe highlights the ease of transforming a few basic ingredients into a tasty dish. The key to great zucchini fritters is removing excess moisture from the zucchini, which helps them crisp up beautifully. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor that complements the mildness of the zucchini perfectly. If you enjoyed our recipes for other zucchini fritters, like the Crispy Zucchini Fritters, you’ll find this Parmesan version equally irresistible. Let’s get cooking!

2. Recipe Summary

• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Total preparation and cooking time: 35 minutes
• Dietary classification: Vegetarian.

3. Equipment and Utensils

• Large mixing bowl
• Grater
• Colander or sieve
• Clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Paper towels

4. Serving Suggestions

• Plating: Serve the warm Parmesan zucchini fritters on a plate. Arrange them nicely, perhaps with a dipping sauce on the side.
• Dipping Sauce Ideas: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a simple balsamic glaze.
• Main Course Pairings: Great as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light vegetarian lunch with a salad.
• Wine or Beverage Pairings: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red like Chianti. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or a refreshing iced herbal tea.

5. Nutritional Information

• Detailed Nutritional Breakdown (per serving, estimated):
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
  • Protein: Approximately 10-12g
  • Fat: Approximately 15-18g
• Macronutrient Distribution: Roughly 30% Carbohydrates, 20% Protein, 50% Fat.
• Dietary Information: Vegetarian.
• Potential Health Benefits: Zucchini is low in calories and a good source of hydration. Parmesan cheese provides calcium and protein.

6. Storage and Reheating

• Proper Storage Instructions: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Refrigeration Instructions: Keep refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Freezing Recommendations: Cooked zucchini fritters can be frozen. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They may lose some crispness upon reheating.
• Reheating Methods:
  • Oven: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
  • Skillet: Reheat in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until warmed through and slightly crispy.
  • Air Fryer: Reheat in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-7 minutes to help restore some crispness.

7. Expert Tips and Variations

• Tips from Professional Chefs: Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini for the best texture. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Not draining the zucchini well enough, resulting in soggy fritters; frying at the wrong temperature, leading to oily or unevenly cooked fritters.
• Creative Recipe Variations:
  • Herbs: Add chopped fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano.
  • Spices: A pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes can add extra flavor.
  • Other Cheeses: Try using Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses.
  • Garlic: A clove of minced garlic can enhance the savory flavor.
• Seasonal Adaptations: Zucchini is typically in season during the summer months, making this a great way to use fresh produce.

8. Ingredients Section

• 2 medium zucchinis, grated (approximately 300g)
  • Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Firm, fresh zucchini.
  • Preparation Notes: Grate using the large holes of a grater.
• 1 large egg
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese (approximately 1/2 cup)
  • Sourcing: Dairy aisle. Freshly grated is best.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (approximately 30g)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Quality and Sourcing Recommendations: Extra virgin olive oil.

Metric Conversions (Approximate):

• 2 medium zucchinis ≈ 300g
• 50g Parmesan ≈ 1/2 cup grated
• 1/4 cup flour ≈ 30g
• 2 tablespoons olive oil ≈ 30 ml

9. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Drain Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis and place them in a colander or sieve. Press them firmly with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to remove as much excess water as possible.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, grated Parmesan cheese, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add Zucchini: Add the squeezed grated zucchini to the bowl and mix everything together well.
4. Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5. Form Fritters: Using a spoon, drop small dollops of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil, forming small patties.
6. Cook Fritters: Cook the fritters for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain: Remove the cooked fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!

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10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)