These Zucchini Feta Spinach Fritters are crispy on the outside and packed with tasty veggies, plus a boost of salty feta. They make a great snack or side dish!
Pair them with a cool garlic tzatziki, and you’re in for a treat! I usually turn up the music and enjoy frying these up. It’s a fun way to sneak in some greens! 🎶
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Zucchini: Fresh medium zucchinis are key in this dish. If you can’t find them or want to try something new, yellow squash works well too. Just make sure to remove moisture for crispy fritters!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is better for flavor and texture. If you have frozen spinach, it can work too, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water. Kale could also be an interesting substitute here!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives a nice creamy taste. If you’re dairy-free, consider a dairy-free feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. I personally prefer the strong flavor of traditional feta.
Flour: All-purpose flour is standard, but you can swap in whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if needed. Just note the texture may slightly change.
How Do I Ensure My Fritters Are Crispy?
Making crispy fritters starts with squeezing the moisture out of the zucchini. Here’s how:
- Use a clean towel to thoroughly remove as much moisture as possible. The drier the zucchini, the crispier the fritters!
- Heat your oil properly before adding the fritters. A medium heat is best—too hot and they might cook too quickly on the outside without cooking through.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to give each fritter enough space to brown nicely.
Zucchini Feta Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fritters:
- 2 medium zucchinis (about 2 cups grated)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
For the Garlic Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe generally takes about 20 minutes for prep and cooking. You’ll want to allow around 10 minutes for the tzatziki to chill while you cook. Altogether, plan for about 30 minutes from start to finish. Quick, tasty, and ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by grating the zucchinis into a large mixing bowl. To draw out excess moisture (which is key for crispy fritters), place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Set aside.
2. Mix the Fritter Batter:
In the bowl with the drained zucchini, add the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, grated onion, minced garlic, eggs, flour, parsley, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. It should form a thick batter.
3. Heat the Pan:
In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough that the fritters sizzle as they hit the pan.
4. Form and Cook Fritters:
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each fritter and carefully place them into the skillet. Flatten them slightly with a spatula. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; it’s better to do this in batches. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain Excess Oil:
Once cooked, transfer the fritters onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
6. Prepare the Garlic Tzatziki:
In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and taste to adjust seasoning. Chill it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
7. Serve:
Once the fritters are cooked and the tzatziki is prepared, plate the warm fritters. Add a generous dollop of garlic tzatziki on the side or right on top. Enjoy your delicious, savory fritters!
This recipe makes about 12-15 fritters, which are perfect for a light meal or appetizer. Get ready to savor every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make These Fritters Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the fritter batter in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to cook them fresh for that crispy texture. You can also freeze cooked fritters; just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
Can I Substitute the Feta Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a dairy-free feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. For a lighter alternative, you can also use ricotta cheese, though it will change the flavor and texture a bit.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Spinach?
If you’re out of fresh spinach, frozen spinach works as a substitute—just be sure to thaw it and thoroughly squeeze out the excess moisture first. Alternatively, you could use other greens like kale or Swiss chard!
How Do I Store Leftover Fritters?
Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven until heated through, keeping an eye on them to maintain crispiness.
