If you are searching for a different sort of vegetable dish to serve with your meal, Zucchini Fritters may be your answer. They are not at all difficult to make, all the ingredients are readily available year round, and they go well with most dishes. Also Zucchini Fritters can be made ahead.
Wash and dry the zucchini. Trim off both ends. Grate the zucchini on the large holes of the grater into a colander set over a a bowl.
Grate the zucchini.
Thoroughly mix the grated zucchini with a teaspoon of salt, and allow it to drain for about 15-30 minutes.
Squeeze the zucchini by handfuls, allowing the liquid to drain into the bowl. This step is necessary because zucchini exude a lot of water once salted. If not extracted you will get soggy fritters. What you want are fritters that are crispy on the outside and moist inside.
Squeeze the liquid from the zucchini.
Spread out the squeezed zucchini on paper towels. Pat the zucchini dry with more paper towels.
Dry the grated zucchini.
Reserve the zucchini liquid that accumulates in the bowl for vegetable soups or sauces.
Put the dried, shredded zucchini in a bowl, and taste for saltiness. Add minced parsley, fresh oregano, and minced garlic to the zucchini. Beat the eggs in a bowl, and add them to the zucchini mixture, along with 1⁄4 cup of breadcrumbs and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
Spread another cup of breadcrumbs on a large plate. Form the zucchini mixture into patties about 2 inches in diameter and 1⁄2-inch thick. Dredge the Zucchini Fritters on both sides in the breadcrumbs.
Dredge the zucchini fritters in bread crumbs.
If you wish, you could refrigerate the patties, and fry them at the last minute.
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, fry the fritters on both sides until brown and crispy. Fry the patties a few at a time. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Fry the zucchini fritters.
Place them on a tray lined with paper towels, and blot the tops with another paper towel. It’s possible to fry the Zucchini Fritters ahead, then reheat for a few minutes in a 350° oven just before serving.
Serve the Zucchini Fritters hot or warm. They may be served with a tomato sauce, though I prefer them plain.
