Zucchini Fritters with Lemony Sour Cream Recipe

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 zucchini
• 1 teaspoon plus 1 pinch coarse salt
• 1 large egg
• 2 green onions, finely sliced
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest, plus more for garnish
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Directions

1. Trim and coarsely shred the zucchini into a large bowl. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and toss to coat. Let the mixture stand for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. While the zucchini rests, beat together the egg, green onions, and black pepper in a separate bowl.
3. Transfer the shredded zucchini onto a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
4. Stir the squeezed zucchini and flour into the egg mixture, combining everything well.
5. Heat a griddle or an extra-large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and swirl it around to coat the pan.
6. Drop the zucchini mixture in 6 mounds onto the hot griddle, then flatten each mound slightly using a spatula.
7. Cook the fritters for 5 to 7 minutes, turning halfway through, until both sides are golden brown.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the lemony sour cream by whisking together sour cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and the remaining pinch of salt in a small bowl.
9. Sprinkle the sour cream with additional lemon zest and black pepper, then serve alongside the fritters.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Amount	Per Serving
Calories	98
Total Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	2g
Cholesterol	42mg
Sodium	409mg
Total Carbohydrate	6g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	3g
Vitamin C	10mg
Calcium	42mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	235mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Recipe developed by: Sue Honkamp

History of Zucchini Fritters: Zucchini fritters are a dish that combines the versatility of zucchini with the satisfying crunch of fried dough. While zucchini itself is native to the Americas, the concept of frittersdoughy or batter-based foods that are deep-fried or pan-friedhas roots in many cultures around the world. This particular recipe, featuring zucchini, flour, eggs, and a tangy lemony sour cream dip, likely originated in modern American cuisine, influenced by the widespread use of zucchini during the summer months when this vegetable is abundant. Zucchini fritters can be traced back to various regional takes on the basic concept of vegetable-based fritters, a common food found in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Regional Features: Zucchini fritters are particularly popular in the United States and other Western countries, where zucchini is commonly grown in home gardens. In Southern European countries like Greece and Turkey, similar fritters are made using local vegetables like eggplant and zucchini, often accompanied by a yogurt-based sauce. In the U.S., zucchini fritters are often served as a side dish, snack, or light meal, especially during summer when the vegetable is in season. The addition of a lemony sour cream dip gives these fritters a refreshing twist, adding brightness to the flavor of the zucchini.

What Makes Zucchini Fritters Different: While zucchini fritters share similarities with other vegetable fritters such as potato latkes or carrot fritters, they stand apart in texture and flavor. Zucchini has a higher water content compared to other vegetables, which means that the fritters must be carefully prepared to avoid sogginess. A key step in this recipe is to squeeze out as much moisture from the shredded zucchini as possible. Another unique element of this dish is the zesty lemon sour cream dip, which adds a tangy and creamy contrast to the fritters' savory profile. The combination of zucchini with a light, crisp batter is what truly makes these fritters stand out from other types of fritters, which are often denser.

Where Zucchini Fritters Are Typically Served: Zucchini fritters are versatile and can be served in various settings. They are often found on the menus of casual dining establishments, especially those offering farm-to-table or seasonal dishes. Many people enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, particularly during the summer months. At home, zucchini fritters can be a popular addition to a light lunch or dinner, paired with a salad or roasted vegetables. They can also be served as part of a picnic or BBQ spread, where they offer a delicious alternative to more traditional fried items like French fries.

Interesting Facts:

• Zucchini is a summer squash, which is a vegetable that grows quickly and is often harvested while still immature. It has a mild flavor, making it an excellent base for dishes like fritters.
• The concept of frying vegetables in a batter or dough can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in Asia, where tempura-like dishes were popular.
• Despite being classified as a vegetable, zucchini is botanically considered a fruit because it grows from the flower of the zucchini plant.
• The lemony sour cream dip often served with zucchini fritters adds a healthy dose of vitamin C and probiotics, thanks to the citrus and fermented dairy content.
• In some variations of zucchini fritters, ingredients such as grated cheese, fresh herbs, or spices like cumin and coriander can be added to enhance the flavor profile.

Conclusion: Zucchini fritters with lemony sour cream offer a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy zucchini. With their crisp texture and bright dip, they make for an ideal snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether served as part of a summer meal or as a light snack, these fritters combine the wholesome flavors of fresh vegetables with the indulgent satisfaction of crispy, fried goodness.

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