Frittelle di Zucchine
ItalianSnack

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Frittelle di Zucchine are traditional Italian zucchini fritters that showcase the beautiful simplicity of Italian home cooking. Grated zucchini is combined with eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs to create tender fritters with a golden, crispy exterior. These versatile bites have been a staple in Italian households for generations, particularly during summer when zucchini is abundant. The key to perfect frittelle is removing excess moisture from the zucchini and frying them in hot oil until they achieve a beautiful golden color. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making them ideal for entertaining or as a quick satisfying snack. The combination of fresh herbs and cheese creates a savory profile that pairs wonderfully with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of yogurt.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. Grate the zucchini using a box grater into a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.

  2. After 10 minutes, squeeze the grated zucchini firmly with your hands or press in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. This is crucial for crispy fritters.

  3. Transfer the squeezed zucchini to a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs and whisk together until well combined.

  4. Add the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped basil, black pepper, and remaining salt. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed and form a thick batter.

  5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep.

  6. Drop heaping tablespoons of the zucchini mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with the back of the spoon to form patties about 3 inches in diameter. Do not overcrowd the pan.

  7. Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula and fry for another 2-3 minutes on the second side.

  8. Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

  9. Serve warm or at room temperature with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top.

Frittelle di Zucchine

4.2 (37)

Golden crispy zucchini fritters seasoned with fresh herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. These light and flavorful Italian bites are perfect for any time of day.

easy
35 min
4 servings

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 3 pieces zucchini, grated
  • 2 pieces eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cups cheese-parmesan, grated

Seasonings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons basil, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

For Frying

  • 6 tablespoons olive-oil

Chef Tips

expert advice
For extra crispy fritters, make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini.
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
These fritters are delicious served with a side of Greek yogurt mixed with fresh dill, or a simple marinara sauce for dipping.
If the batter seems too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour.
For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or rice flour.
You can also add finely chopped onions or use mint instead of basil for variation.
Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying - test with a small drop of batter; it should sizzle immediately.
These fritters can be made smaller for appetizers or larger as a light main course.
Frittelle di Zucchine | Cuisinao