Golden, juicy and fragrant, these zucchini fritters with ground meat and cheese are a satisfying dish that comes together quickly and without fuss. A crisp crust on the outside and a tender, savoury centre make them ideal for a family dinner or an easy snack.
Ingredients
- Young zucchini — 500g (1 lb 2 oz)
- Ground meat (pork and beef) — 300g (10.5 oz)
- Hard cheese — 120g (4.2 oz)
- Eggs — 2
- All-purpose flour — 3 tbsp
- Garlic — 2 cloves
- Fresh dill, chopped — 2 tbsp
- Salt — 1 tsp
- Ground black pepper — 1/4 tsp
- Sweet paprika — 1/2 tsp
- Baking powder — 1/2 tsp
- Vegetable oil — 3 tbsp
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Grate the zucchini on the large holes of a grater, salt lightly, and leave for 10 minutes. Then squeeze the mixture very well through a sieve or cheesecloth to remove excess moisture.
- Grate the cheese, mince the garlic, and chop the dill.
- In a bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, ground meat, cheese, eggs, garlic, dill, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until you have a thick, even mixture. If it seems too loose, add 1 more tbsp of flour.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Spoon in portions of the batter and shape them into fritters.
- Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until deeply golden. If needed, cover with a lid so the meat cooks through completely.
- Transfer the fritters to paper towels and serve hot with sour cream, yogurt sauce, or garlic sauce.
Nutritional Value
| Servings | 1 of 4 |
|---|---|
| Calories | 295 kcal |
| Protein | 19 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 16 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
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Tips and Variations
- For a lighter texture, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Want more cheesy richness? Add 30–40g (1–1.5 oz) of cheese to the batter or scatter extra over the cooked fritters.
- To help the fritters hold their shape, squeeze the zucchini thoroughly; excess moisture is the main reason they spread.
- Baking option: place spoonfuls of the mixture on parchment and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–22 minutes, turning once.
- Gluten-free: replace the all-purpose flour with rice or corn flour in the same amount.
How to Serve
These fritters pair beautifully with sour cream, a yogurt-and-herb sauce, fresh vegetables, and light salads. For a more substantial meal, serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or buckwheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them?
Yes. Spoon the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–22 minutes until golden, turning carefully halfway through with a spatula.
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour if I need a gluten-free version?
Use rice flour, corn flour, or certified gluten-free oat flour. Add 1 tbsp more if needed to keep the mixture thick.
How can I make the fritters less greasy?
Choose lean ground meat, fry in the smallest amount of oil possible on a nonstick skillet, or bake them in the oven. Pat the finished fritters with paper towels before serving.