Cheesy Chili Zucchini Fritters

In recent years, vegetable fritters have surged in popularity as a staple in healthy eating. These crispy, golden bites offer not only the satisfaction of a hearty snack but also a way to sneak in some nutritious veggies. Among the myriad of options, Cheesy Chili Zucchini Fritters stand out as a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that delights the palate while providing a wealth of health benefits.

Discover the joy of making Cheesy Chili Zucchini Fritters, a delicious and nutritious twist on vegetable snacks! This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender zucchini, sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of spice for a crispy treat that delights the palate. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a main dish, these fritters are customizable to suit your taste. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, grated

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

2 large eggs, beaten

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Olive oil, for frying

Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Zucchini: Start by grating the zucchinis using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This step helps to ensure your fritters will be crispy.

Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Whisk together until evenly combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the squeezed zucchini with the beaten eggs, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and fold it in until evenly distributed.

Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan, add enough olive oil to cover the bottom (about 1/4 inch deep). Heat over medium heat until shimmering. To test if it's hot enough, drop a small spoonful of batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately.

Fry the Fritters: Using a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop, carefully drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil, making sure to leave space between each fritter. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Fry for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.

Drain and Serve: Once both sides are golden and crispy, remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the cheesy chili zucchini fritters warm, with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on the side, if desired. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6