| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 265 | 15g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 2g | 12g | 0.75g |
Why I Love Israeli Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Recently, I found myself dreaming up a new recipe: the Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. With an Israeli twist, this dish brings a wholesomeness and satisfying crunch that will leave your taste buds dancing. The light citrus hint of the garlic yogurt sauce completes the sensory adventure that will have you reaching for seconds. For me, this taste of Israel brings to mind the feeling of my own dual culinary histories.
My Inspiration Behind this Recipe
As much as my own background has influenced my style and palette, other fantastic chefs such as the acclaimed Yotam Ottolenghi, an Israeli-British chef who is revered for his unique fusion style – a bridge between the cuisines of the East and West, much like my own culinary journey, have also served as inspiration. His flair for incorporating fresh ingredients in unexpected ways mirrors how I approach building a dish.
Pairings and Similar Dishes
The Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Yogurt Sauce offer a delightful crunch that holds up to a variety of pairings. The crispy exterior and tender zucchini interior complement a grilled piece of chicken or a side of tabbouleh quite well, though it can also be enjoyed as a standalone appetizer for lighter fare. Similar dishes you might enjoy include Greek tzatziki and courgette fries, both playing on similar themes of texture and tangy accompaniments.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
But beyond the inspiration, pairings, and similar dishes, it’s the flavor blend that keeps me coming back to these Zucchini Fritters. You’ll find the unique blend of ingredients in the fritters themselves and the accompanying garlic yogurt sauce to lend a complex yet comforting taste. Certain Indian snacks, like bhaji, a type of Indian fritter, are similar in many ways to this dish, and it’s this close connection to my Gujarati roots that imbues this dish with a touch of nostalgia and familiarity for me.
As a culinary adventurer, I revel in the delight of being able to fuse cultures within my creations, a narrative that echoes my own multicultural journey. From the fresh Californian produce to the spices reminiscent of Gujarati cuisine, each dish is a testament to the belief that food is not just a means of sustenance but an exploration of history and identity. Enjoy the journey every time you make and eat these Zucchini Fritters with Garlic Yogurt Sauce. I know I do!
What You’ll Need
- For the Zucchini Fritters:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
- For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Sprinkle of Black pepper
Method
Step One
To begin, grate the zucchinis into a bowl, then sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and let it sit for around 10 minutes. Afterwards, squeeze out as much liquid as you can.
Step Two
In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Then, mix in the flour, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and black pepper until it forms a thick batter. Add the grated, squeezed zucchini into this mixture and stir until well coated.
Step Three
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Spoon in the zucchini mixture, flattening it into pancake-like fritters. Cook until golden brown on both sides, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess oil.
Step Four
While the zucchini fritters are cooling, prepare the garlic yogurt sauce. Combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, finely chopped dill, and salt in a bowl. Stir until well mixed, then season with a sprinkle of black pepper to taste.
Step Five
Finally, serve the zucchini fritters with a side of the garlic yogurt sauce. You can either dip the fritters into the sauce or drizzle it over the top. Enjoy!
