Vegetable Fritters are a delicious, crispy snack or side dish packed with flavor and veggies! They’re versatile, easy to make, and can be enjoyed with a variety of dips. These fritters are perfect for a light lunch, appetizer, or even a fun dinner when paired with a salad.
Here’s a simple recipe for Vegetable Fritters that you can customize with your favorite vegetables!
Vegetable Fritters Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as grated zucchini, carrots, bell pepper, corn, peas, etc.)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion (red or yellow)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (you can substitute with chickpea flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 large egg (or a flax egg for a vegan version: 1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 2 tbsp water)
- 1/4 cup grated cheese (optional, for extra richness—cheddar, mozzarella, or dairy-free cheese)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or mixed herbs of your choice)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
- Grate or chop your vegetables: Grate the zucchini and carrots. If using bell peppers, chop them finely. If you’re using peas or corn, they can be kept whole. Ensure all the vegetables are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Remove excess moisture from watery vegetables: For zucchini, after grating it, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess water. This step is essential to avoid soggy fritters.
2. Make the Fritter Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated vegetables, onion, garlic, and cheese (if using).
- Add the flour, breadcrumbs (if using), and spices (oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper). Mix well.
- Crack the egg into the mixture and stir to combine. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape. If it seems too wet, add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Form the Fritters:
- Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out a portion of the mixture and form small patties, about 2-3 inches wide. The size can vary depending on your preference, but make sure the fritters are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
4. Fry the Fritters:
- Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Flatten them slightly with a spatula for even cooking.
- Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. You may need to adjust the heat to avoid burning them before they cook through.
- Once cooked, remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Serve the vegetable fritters warm with your favorite dip, such as yogurt, sour cream, salsa, or tahini sauce. You can also serve them with a fresh salad on the side.
- Garnish with some fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro) for a burst of color and freshness.
Tips and Variations:
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like paprika, chili flakes, garam masala, or curry powder to add different flavor profiles.
- Vegan option: For a vegan fritter, use a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 2 tbsp water, mixed and set aside for 5 minutes to thicken). You can also skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
- Grain-free: Use almond flour or rice flour instead of all-purpose flour to make these fritters grain-free.
- Air fryer option: To make them a bit lighter, you can cook these fritters in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the fritters for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make-ahead: These fritters can be prepared ahead of time, formed, and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days before frying.
Serving Ideas:
- As an appetizer: Serve the fritters with a tangy dipping sauce like tzatziki or spicy sriracha mayo.
- For breakfast or brunch: Pair with a fresh avocado, fried egg, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- As a side dish: Serve alongside a grilled veggie platter, or a main like vegan burgers or grilled chicken.
These Vegetable Fritters are an excellent way to use up leftover veggies, sneak in some nutrition, and enjoy a deliciously crispy bite. They’re easy to customize and so versatile! Enjoy!