Cheesy Vegetable Fritters are a delicious and easy way to get your veggies in, while enjoying a cheesy, crispy exterior. These fritters make for a great snack, appetizer, or side dish! Packed with colorful vegetables and melted cheese, they’re sure to please everyone. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium zucchini, grated
- 1 medium carrot, grated
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the vegetables:
Grate the zucchini and carrot using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent sogginess.
In a large bowl, combine the grated zucchini, grated carrot, chopped onion, and corn kernels.
2. Make the fritter batter:
To the vegetable mixture, add the shredded cheese, eggs, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir well to combine. The mixture should be thick and able to hold its shape. If it’s too loose, add a little more flour until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Fry the fritters:
Heat about 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, spoon heaping tablespoons of the vegetable mixture into the skillet, gently flattening them with the back of the spoon to form small fritters. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if needed.
Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them gently with a spatula to ensure both sides cook evenly.
4. Drain and serve:
Once the fritters are cooked, remove them from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Tips:
- Add more veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or peas to make these fritters even more nutritious.
- Cheese variety: Mix and match cheeses to your liking, such as Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Baking option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the fritters at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
These Cheesy Vegetable Fritters are versatile, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Whether as a quick snack, side dish, or light meal, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy!