Vegetable Fritters with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
3 Eggs
- 40 g (1.4 oz) Parmesan Cheese – Grated
- A Pinch of Salt
- 2 Zucchinis – Grated
- 1 Onion – Finely chopped
- Olive Oil – For frying
- 1 Clove Garlic – Minced
- 2 Mushrooms – Finely chopped
- 1 Carrot – Grated
- 1 Sweet Pepper – Finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
- Black Pepper – To taste
- Chives – Chopped
- 2 Potatoes – Grated
- 1-2 tbsp Flour
- 1-2 tbsp Breadcrumbs
For the Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tbsp Sour Cream
- 1 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 Clove Garlic – Minced
- 1 Pickled Cucumber – Finely chopped
- A Pinch of Salt
- Black Pepper – To taste
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving (including sauce)
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetable Mixture
Begin by preparing the base for your fritters. In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together until well beaten. The eggs act as a binder that helps hold the fritters together during frying.
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt to the eggs, and whisk again until the cheese is evenly distributed. The Parmesan adds a rich, savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the fritters.
2. Grate and Chop the Vegetables
Grate the zucchinis and potatoes, then place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is crucial as excess water can make the fritters soggy. Once the moisture is removed, add the grated vegetables to the egg mixture.
Finely chop the onion, mushrooms, sweet pepper, and carrot, then add these to the bowl. The variety of vegetables not only adds different textures but also layers of flavor to the fritters.
Next, add the minced garlic, turmeric, dried basil, and black pepper. These spices bring warmth and depth to the fritters, making them flavorful and aromatic. Stir everything together until well combined.
Finally, add 1-2 tablespoons of flour and breadcrumbs to the vegetable mixture. This helps to absorb any remaining moisture and gives the mixture a slight hold, making it easier to form into fritters. If the mixture still feels too wet, add a little more flour or breadcrumbs until you reach the desired consistency.
3. Cook the Fritters
Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking, ensuring the fritters fry to a golden brown without burning.
Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the vegetable mixture into the hot pan, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form fritters. Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This step keeps the fritters crisp and not greasy.
4. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
While the fritters are frying, you can quickly whip up the Garlic Sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise, minced garlic, and finely chopped pickled cucumber.
Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until smooth. The sour cream and mayonnaise create a creamy base, while the garlic and pickled cucumber add a zesty, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fritters.
5. Serve
Serve the Vegetable Fritters hot, accompanied by the Garlic Sauce. These fritters are best enjoyed fresh out of the pan when they are still crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Snack: Serve these fritters with the garlic sauce as a tasty snack or appetizer.
- As a Light Meal: Pair the fritters with a fresh green salad or a bowl of soup for a light, satisfying meal.
- As a Side Dish: These fritters also make a great side dish for grilled meats or fish.
Tips for Perfect Vegetable Fritters
- Squeeze Out Moisture: Removing excess moisture from the grated vegetables is key to achieving crispy fritters.
- Even Cooking: Cook the fritters in batches and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even frying.
- Customizing: Feel free to customize the fritters by adding different vegetables or spices according to your taste.
These Vegetable Fritters with Garlic Sauce are a delicious way to enjoy a variety of vegetables in a crispy, savory package. The combination of the rich Parmesan, the warmth of the spices, and the tangy garlic sauce makes this dish a true crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!