Zucchini Patties Recipe

Ingredients and Preparations

Select Fresh Zucchini and Onions

To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need to start by selecting two essential ingredients: fresh zucchinis and onions.

Fresh Zucchinis:

The first step is to choose zucchinis that are firm, bright in color, and have no signs of soft spots or bruises. Opt for medium-sized zucchinis as they will be easier to handle and provide the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Select zucchinis with a smooth, glossy appearance and avoid those with blemishes or scratches. The ideal weight for each zucchini should be around 1/2 pound (225g) to ensure you have enough flesh for patties.

Onions:

When it comes to onions, choose ones that are fresh, firm, and have a sweet aroma. Yellow or white onions work best in this recipe as they provide a mild flavor that won’t overpower the zucchini.

Avoid using red or sweet onions as their strong flavors might not complement the taste of the zucchinis. Opt for medium-sized onions weighing around 1/4 pound (115g) each to ensure you have enough to chop and mix with the zucchinis.

* Choose firm and heavy zucchinis with a smooth, glossy skin

To make delicious zucchini patties, you’ll need to select the right ingredients and follow some simple preparations steps.

Ingredients:

• Firm and heavy zucchinis with a smooth, glossy skin (2-3 medium-sized ones)
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (whole wheat or white)
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (you can also use other hard cheeses like Pecorino or Romano)
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, dried oregano, or other herbs of your choice for added flavor

Preparations:

1. Cut the zucchinis in half lengthwise and scoop out some of their insides to make them lighter. You can also grate or shred the zucchini for a finer texture, but be sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated zucchini to avoid making the patties too wet.

2. Chop the onion and garlic into small pieces. Saute them in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil until softened and translucent. Let them cool down before using them in the recipe.

3. In a bowl, mix together the grated zucchini, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. You can also add chopped fresh parsley or other herbs if desired for extra flavor.

4. Using your hands, shape the mixture into patties of about 1/4 inch thickness and 2-3 inches in diameter. Make sure to press them gently but firmly so they hold their shape well.

5. Cover a plate or tray with parchment paper and arrange the zucchini patties on it, leaving some space between each patty for even cooking. You can refrigerate them for about 30 minutes before frying if you want to get ahead of time.

* Select a sweet onion such as Vidalia or Maui for the best flavor

When it comes to preparing zucchini patties, selecting the right ingredients and understanding their roles is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The star ingredient in this recipe is, of course, the zucchinis themselves. You’ll need two medium-sized ones, which should yield about 1 pound when chopped.

For the best flavor, it’s essential to choose sweet onions like Vidalia or Maui. These varieties are naturally sweeter than other types of onions and will add a depth of flavor that complements the zucchinis beautifully.

To prepare the onions, you’ll need to peel them first. To do this, simply cut off both ends, and then use your fingers or a spoon to gently pry off the skin.

Once the onions are peeled, chop them into small pieces. For Vidalia or Maui onions, you can aim for about 1/4 cup of chopped onion per zucchini patty.

Next up is the egg. One large egg will be sufficient to bind the ingredients together and add moisture to the patties.

For seasonings, you’ll need salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese if you like an extra boost of flavor.

Now it’s time to prepare the zucchinis themselves. First, grate them using a box grater or the food processor with the shredding attachment.

Transfer the grated zucchini to a colander and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial in preventing soggy patties!

Once you’ve removed excess moisture, chop the remaining grated zucchinis into smaller pieces. This will help them distribute evenly throughout the mixture.

To assemble the patties, combine the chopped onion, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

Add the egg to the bowl and mix everything together until well combined. Finally, stir in the chopped zucchinis.

Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6-8 patties, depending on how large you prefer them.

At this point, it’s essential to refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up and hold their shape. This will make cooking a breeze!

When ready to cook, heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the zucchini patties and fry for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown.

Remove the cooked patties from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve your delicious zucchini patties hot with your favorite toppings, such as marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese, or fresh basil. Enjoy!

* Wash and pat dry the vegetables

To prepare the zucchini patties recipe, it’s essential to start with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Here are some key considerations for the ingredients:

For the zucchini patties themselves, you will need:

2 medium-sized zucchinis

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tablespoon olive oil

Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

For the breading mixture:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

To prepare the ingredients, follow these steps:

Wash the zucchinis thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.

Pat dry the zucchinis with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Trim both ends of each zucchini and slice them into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Place the zucchini slices on a plate or tray and sprinkle with salt to draw out any excess moisture. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes before pat drying again.

While the zucchinis are preparing, combine the breading mixture ingredients in a shallow dish or plate. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.

To assemble the patties, place a zucchini slice on one half of the breading mixture, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese (if using). Fold the other half over to create a patty shape and press gently to adhere. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few patties to the skillet (do not overcrowd). Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining patties.

Remove the zucchini patties from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

Preparing the Patties

Mixing Zucchini with Eggs and Spices

In this step-by-step guide to preparing **Zucchini Patties**, we will cover two crucial tasks: preparing the patties and mixing Zucchini with eggs and spices.

To begin with, let’s start by preparing the patties. Grate or shred a medium-sized Zucchini. You can use either a box grater or a food processor to achieve this. The goal is to end up with about 1 cup of grated Zucchini.

Next, in a large bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and add the grated Zucchini, along with 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion, 1 minced clove of garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Make sure to mix well.

Add to this mixture 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional), salt and pepper to taste. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Stir in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour to help hold the patties together. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute with almond or coconut flour.

Mix everything well until the batter is consistent in texture and there are no visible lumps. Be gentle not to overmix, as this can lead to dense patties.

* Shred 2 medium zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor

To prepare the patties, begin by shredding two medium-sized zucchinis.

The first step in this process is to select and wash the zucchinis, making sure they are free from any dirt or debris.

Next, remove the ends of the zucchinis and place them on a cutting board.

Using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment, shred the zucchinis into long, thin strips. This will help to release their natural moisture and create a more even texture in the finished patties.

If using a box grater, carefully position it so that the sides of the grater are facing you, and begin to grate the zucchinis over a bowl or plate to collect the shreds.

For a food processor, simply place the chopping attachment and start processing the zucchinis in short pulses until they reach the desired consistency. Be cautious not to over-process, as this can result in a mushy texture.

Continue shredding the two zucchinis until you have obtained enough shredded material for your recipe, usually around 2 cups of grated zucchini.

It’s essential to handle the shredded zucchinis gently to avoid compacting them, which can lead to a dense patty. Instead, aim for a loose, fluffy texture that will help to create a light and crispy exterior when cooked.

Once you have finished shredding your zucchinis, proceed to the next step of preparing the patties by mixing in any desired seasonings or binding agents with the shredded zucchini.

* Beat 2 large eggs in a separate bowl

To prepare the patties for this delicious Zucchini Patties recipe, it’s essential to start by beating 2 large eggs in a separate bowl.

This initial step may seem straightforward, but it sets the stage for creating the perfect mixture that will hold our zucchini patties together.

Begin by cracking open your two large eggs into a clean, stainless steel or ceramic bowl – we want to avoid using plastic here as it can impart unwanted flavors and textures to our eggs.

Using a wire whisk or a fork, gently beat the eggs until they become smooth and well-mixed.

This step is crucial in breaking down the egg’s protein bonds, which will allow them to blend harmoniously with the other ingredients we’ll add later.

Take your time beating those eggs – you want them to be light and fluffy, almost double their original volume.

As you beat the eggs, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl regularly with a rubber spatula, ensuring that all the egg is well incorporated and there are no lumps or unmixed bits remaining.

The beaten eggs will now be ready to join our grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs, spices, and any other desired ingredients in creating a cohesive patty mixture that’s both flavorful and structurally sound.

* Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices to the eggs

Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley to the beaten eggs and mix well.

Mix in a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper to taste, as they will enhance the overall flavor of the patties.

You can also add other desired spices, such as minced garlic, dried oregano, or ground cumin, according to your preference for added depth of flavor.

Cooking the Patties

Shaping and Pan-Frying

To cook the patties to perfection, it’s essential to follow a few key steps in shaping and pan-frying them.

Firstly, make sure you have adequately shaped your zucchini patties before attempting to pan-fry them. This involves gently pressing down on the mixture with a spatula or spoon until it reaches your desired thickness.

A good rule of thumb is to aim for patties that are about 1/4 inch thick and roughly the same size as a hamburger patty. This will ensure they cook evenly and prevent them from breaking apart in the pan.

Once you’ve shaped your patties, it’s time to heat up the pan. Choose a skillet or frying pan with a non-stick surface, as this will help prevent your zucchini patties from sticking and make them easier to flip.

Next, add a small amount of oil to the pan – enough to coat the bottom but not so much that it overpowers the flavor of the zucchini. You can use any type of oil you like, such as olive or coconut oil, but be aware that some oils have a higher smoke point than others and may not be suitable for high-heat cooking.

Place the pan over medium heat and let it warm up for about 2-3 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. You can test this by flicking a few drops of water onto the surface – if they sizzle and evaporate quickly, the pan is ready to go!

Now it’s time to add your zucchini patties to the pan. Place them in a single layer, leaving about an inch of space between each patty to allow for even cooking.

Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You may need to adjust the heat and cooking time depending on your stovetop and the size of your patties.

Once your zucchini patties are cooked to perfection, remove them from the pan with a spatula and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy!

* Combine the shredded zucchini with the egg mixture and mix well

To combine the shredded zucchini with the egg mixture, start by preparing a clean working surface and ensuring that all ingredients are at room temperature.

Select a large mixing bowl to hold the mixture and carefully add in the egg, which has been beaten until well mixed.

Next, measure out the amount of shredded zucchini required according to your recipe – typically around 1-2 cups for four patties.

Add the grated zucchini into the mixing bowl with the eggs.

Begin a gentle stirring motion using a wooden spoon or spatula to blend the two ingredients together, making sure not to overmix at this stage.

The goal is to create a smooth, well-combined mixture that still retains some of its texture from the grated zucchini and beaten egg. Overmixing could result in a dense patty with reduced flavor and texture.

Take your time and continue stirring until you notice the zucchini has evenly distributed within the egg mixture, resembling a consistent, slightly lumpy batter.

To finish combining the ingredients, use gentle pressing or folding motions to distribute any remaining pockets of grated zucchini evenly throughout the mixture.

The resulting combination should now resemble a thick, semi-liquid paste with visible flecks of green from the shredded zucchini. This consistency will help in creating patties that are both tender and firm to the bite when cooked properly.

* Divide the mixture into 810 portions and shape each portion into a patty

To begin cooking the zucchini patties, first divide the mixture evenly into 810 portions. Each portion should be approximately 1 inch in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.

Making sure each portion has a uniform thickness will help ensure that all of the patties cook at the same rate. You can use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the mixture.

Once you have divided the mixture into individual portions, it’s time to shape each one into a patty. Gently press each portion onto a flat surface and shape it into an oval or circular shape, depending on your preference.

Making sure to handle the patties gently will help prevent them from breaking apart when cooked. You can also use a ring mold or cookie cutter to give the patties a uniform shape if desired.

Once all of the patties are shaped and uniform in size, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little bit of oil and sprinkle with salt to prevent sticking and add flavor.

* Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 45 minutes on each side

To cook the patties, follow these steps:

Step 1: Heat a Non-Stick Skillet

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. This will ensure that the patties cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the pan.

Step 2: Add a Small Amount of Oil

Add a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the preheated skillet. This will help prevent the patties from sticking to the pan and add flavor to them.

Step 3: Place the Patties in the Skillet

Place one patty in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining patties.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the patties and the heat level of your stovetop.

Cooking Time:

To ensure that the patties are cooked through, check them after 4-5 minutes. If they need more time, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side. Repeat until they reach your desired level of doneness.