These light and tasty zucchini fritters are packed with yummy feta and fresh spinach. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making them a perfect snack!
Paired with garlic tzatziki, you might find it hard to stop munching! I love serving them at parties, and let’s be real, they disappear fast. Everyone will ask for the secret! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh zucchini is key for moisture and flavor. If zucchini isn’t available, you might try using yellow squash instead. Both work well!
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang. You can substitute it with goat cheese or even grated Parmesan if you’re not a fan of feta.
Flour: All-purpose flour keeps the fritters tender. For a gluten-free option, chickpea flour or almond flour would work great too!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, but frozen spinach can be used if squeezed dry. Just make sure to chop it fine for even cooking.
How Do I Make Sure the Fritters Are Crispy and Not Soggy?
Getting the perfect texture for your fritters is all about moisture control. Start by squeezing out as much moisture from the grated zucchini as you can. A clean kitchen towel works wonders for this!
- Heat your oil well before adding the fritters. This gives them a crispy edge right away.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry them in batches to maintain even heat and crispiness.
Cook until they’re golden brown on both sides, and keep them warm in the oven while preparing the rest! Happy cooking!
Easy Zucchini Feta Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint for garnish)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 15-20 minutes to cook the fritters, making a total of about 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious option for lunch or a snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
First, take your grated zucchini and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as you can. This will help keep your fritters from becoming soggy.
2. Mix the Fritter Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, chopped spinach, crumbled feta, flour, eggs, minced garlic, dill (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until mixed well. This batter will be the foundation of your fritters!
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot but not smoking before you add the fritters.
4. Cook the Fritters:
Scoop about 3 tablespoons of the batter for each fritter and place it in the hot skillet. Use the back of the spoon to flatten each scoop into a patty. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them carefully when they are golden brown. You may want to adjust the heat to avoid burning.
5. Make the Garlic Tzatziki:
While the fritters are frying, prepare the tzatziki. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it’s drained), minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and pop it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the fritters are nice and crispy, stack them on a plate. Top with a dollop of the garlic tzatziki and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or dill if you like. Enjoy your delicious, crispy fritters!
Bon Appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any extra moisture before adding it to the fritter mixture. This will help keep your fritters from becoming soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through, or pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Can I Make These Fritters Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal substitute (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, mixed and left to thicken for a few minutes) to help bind the mixture. Use a vegan cheese or omit it entirely for delicious vegan fritters!
What Can I Serve with Fritters Besides Tzatziki?
These fritters are versatile! They pair well with a variety of dips like hummus, avocado dip, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. You can also serve them on a bed of mixed greens for a light meal!
