23 October 2011

Zucchini Fritters

Almost Chanukah time! And these dudes are a fun alternative to the wheat and potato tradition. Making latkes is a labor of love; it is time consuming and requires full attention. And I look forward to it every year. Such a special way to celebrate with those you love. Serve with whatever your condiment heart desires: greek yogurt, sour cream, apple sauce, shredded pears and cranberries...delicious!

Makes about 10 patties.

INGREDIENTS
zucchini (2 lbs / 6 medium sized) thinly grated; I use my standard grater, the side with the smallest holes
scallions (4) finely chopped
eggs (2) or 4 egg whites if you want
brown rice or garbanzo flour (1 cup) I prefer garbanzo, it's fluffier
salt (1 t)
fresh ground black pepper
grapeseed or peanut oil (a lot) this is some fry action; you can use any oil that has a high smoking point so it doesn't burn in the pan

DIRECTIONS
  1. Strain the water from the grated zucchini. I let it drain in a mesh colander for 30ish minutes than throw it in a salad spinner to extract the last bit of moisture.
  2. Warm up your oven just enough to keep the fritters warm and line a large plate or cooking sheet with paper towels for the fritters hot off the pan.
  3. Sprinkle zucchini with salt and mix by hand.
  4. In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs then mix in flour, scallions, and some generous grinds of pepper (or to taste). Add zucchini and combine well be hand.
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; you don't need that much, just enough so it doesn't burn off during cooking, about 1/4 inch high. When the oil begins to shimmer, drop in little mounds of batter (2 tablespoons each) and flatten into pancakes. Flip the fritter when they easily slip from the pan; if there is any stick to the pan, they're not ready (my mom taught me this tip). Turn them over, careful not to burn yourself with oil splatter. Transfer fritters to the paper towels. 
  6. Repeat with remaining batter and necessary oil. Serve immediately.
That's it! Enjoy the holiday inside and out with this oil rendition. xo, J.

ALTERNATIVE ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS
mixed fresh herbs, such as fennel, dill, mint, parsley (1/2 cup) chopped
ground cumin (1 tablespoon)
crumbled feta (1 cup)

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