Eggplant and Cucumber Fritters with Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 eggs
• 2 eggplants, diced
• 3 cucumbers, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon (juice and grated peel)
• 100g Dutch cheese, grated
• 100g breadcrumbs
• 50g flour
• Mint leaves, chopped
• Italian herb mixture, to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions:

1. Prepare the eggplants: Dice the eggplants, sprinkle with salt, and let them stand for 15 minutes to release excess moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Prepare the cucumbers: Grate the cucumbers and mix with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let stand for 15 minutes, then squeeze out the excess water.
3. Mix the eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs and season with sweet paprika, salt, black pepper, and grated lemon peel.
4. Add the cheese and cucumbers: Stir the grated Dutch cheese and squeezed cucumbers into the egg mixture. Mix well.
5. Prepare the coating: In a separate dish, combine breadcrumbs, flour, and Italian herbs.
6. Shape the fritters: Take small portions of the mixture, shape into patties, and coat in the breadcrumb-flour mixture.
7. Fry the fritters: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the fritters on both sides until golden brown (about 3-5 minutes per side).
8. Finish cooking: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure they are cooked through.
9. Serve: Garnish with chopped mint leaves and a drizzle of lemon juice. Serve warm.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing dip.
• Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal.
• Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or more herbs on top for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips:

• Let the eggplants and cucumbers rest with salt to draw out moisture, ensuring crispier fritters.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more Italian herbs or lemon zest.
• For extra crispiness, fry the fritters in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Rich in Fiber: Eggplants and cucumbers provide a good source of dietary fiber.
• High in Protein: The eggs and cheese add protein, making this dish more filling.
• Vitamins & Antioxidants: Eggplants are packed with antioxidants, while cucumbers offer hydration and essential vitamins.

Dietary Information:

• Vegetarian
• Gluten-Free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
• Low Carb: Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour instead for a low-carb version.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 4g

Storage:

• Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven or on a pan for a crispy texture.
• Freeze uncooked fritters for up to 3 months; thaw before frying.