Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful dish perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal. These fritters are packed with fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, creating a perfect balance of taste and texture. The garlic tzatziki adds a refreshing and tangy contrast, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a healthy vegetarian option or a crowd-pleasing dish, these fritters will be a delightful addition to your menu.
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt (for draining zucchini)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Garlic Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Fritters
- Grate the Zucchini – Grate the zucchinis and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to release excess moisture.
- Squeeze out Excess Water – After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much water as possible. This step is crucial for crispy fritters.
- Mix the Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained zucchini, chopped spinach, feta cheese, flour, egg, baking powder, minced garlic, black pepper, oregano, cumin, parsley, and green onions. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Fritters – Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into small patties. If the mixture is too wet, add a little more flour to adjust consistency.
- Heat the Oil – In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Fry the Fritters – Place the fritters in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Drain Excess Oil – Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Preparing the Garlic Tzatziki
- Grate and Drain the Cucumber – Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel.
- Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Chill Before Serving – Let the tzatziki rest in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving
- Serve the fritters warm with a generous side of garlic tzatziki.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley for an extra touch of freshness.
- Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or light meal with a fresh salad or pita bread.
These Zucchini, Feta, and Spinach Fritters with Garlic Tzatziki are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, they are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a delightful, Mediterranean-inspired dish.