Delicious and Easy Zucchini Fritters Recipe
Welcome to my Turkish kitchen! Today, I will take you on a delicious journey with my favorite recipe for Kabak Mücveri, aka Turkish Zucchini Fritters. Trust me; these fritters are the real deal! They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside while being packed with delicate flavors of zucchini, green onions, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley.
As an Israeli Chef, I adore exploring various culinary traditions worldwide. And among all the cultures, Turkish cuisine has a special place in my heart. It’s unique, rich in flavor, and always has something new to offer. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this family-pleasing Turkish recipe that you can easily prepare for a weekend brunch or weeknight dinner.
Kabak Mücveri is a prevalent dish in Turkey and one of the most popular meze meals served in Turkish restaurants worldwide. These cozy fritters are made with grated zucchini mixed into an egg-based batter and typically pan-fried until golden brown. The best part about this recipe is that you can use any kind of zucchini variety available in your local grocery store.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, Kabak Mücveri is a must-try dish that will please everyone around the table. So grab some olive oil and let’s start cooking our way to Turkey with this delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to incorporate vegetables into your diet, look no further than this recipe for Kabak Mücveri, or Turkish Zucchini Fritters. As someone who is passionate about cooking and creating flavorful, wholesome meals, I can tell you that this recipe is a must-try.
Firstly, these fritters are made with fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor with every bite. Grated zucchini, chopped green onion and parsley come together in harmony with the salty, tangy taste of feta and kasseri cheese. The addition of fresh dill adds another layer of complexity to the dish.
But these fritters aren’t just delicious – they’re also incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or side dish, or even as a main course when served alongside a salad or baked vegetable dish. You can also get creative with your toppings – try adding a dollop of tzatziki or hummus for an extra burst of flavor.
What’s more, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. A fritter pancake made from grated zucchini is typically pan-fried in olive oil batter, giving you crispy edges and tender insides with every bite. You don’t need any advanced cooking skills to whip up these fritters – all you need is some basic knowledge in the kitchen to enjoy them!
Finally, these Kabak Mücveri fritters are inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine, making them not just delicious but also authentic. This recipe has been passed down for generations and has been perfected over time to create a dish that is beloved by so many families.
In conclusion, there are countless reasons why you’ll love this recipe for Kabak Mücveri. From its bold flavors to its versatility and easy preparation, it’s a dish that will quickly become one of your go-to options for dinner or snacking. So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this mouthwatering Turkish zucchini fritters recipe:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis, coarsely grated (around 1-1.5 lb)
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 spring (green) onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh flat leaf parsley, coarsely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Cheeses:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated kasseri cheese
Seasonings:
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
Frying oil:
- Olive oil for frying
Note: If you are following Ozlem’s Turkish Table’s recipe which is the inspiration for this recipe, she recommends grating the zucchini and salting it lightly; setting it aside for around 30 minutes and then squeezing out the excess moisture. She finds that it gives a firmer texture to the fritters.
The Recipe How-To
Let me take you behind the scenes and show you how to make these delicious Kabak Mücveri. Trust me, this is a recipe that will surely become one of your favorites, it’s absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients
Here is what you need:
- 2 medium zucchini, coarsely grated
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- A handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley and dill, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. salt
- Fresh ground pepper
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese & kasseri cheese (you can use just Feta if you prefer)
- Olive oil to fry
Directions
- First things first, wash and coarsely grate the zucchini into a large mixing bowl. Then add the yellow onion and green onions to it.
- Season with salt and toss everything together until combined. Let them sit for around 10 minutes while salt extracts excess moisture from the zucchini and onions.
- Crack in two eggs to the mixture and stir well.
- Add in all-purpose flour to the mix followed by a handful of fresh flat-leaf parsley and dill, freshly ground pepper, and crumbled kasseri(or only feta if using) cheese. Mix again until all ingredients are finely combined.
- In the meantime, pour enough olive oil into a skillet so that it covers around an inch worth of space inside the skillet.
- Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat for about 3 -4 minutes or until hot enough to fry.
- Once hot enough drop tablespoonfuls of pancake mixture (Mücver) into the skillet; cook for about 1–2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Take out onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Enjoy your Kabak Mücveri while they are still hot!
You can also bake these Zucchini Fritters in a pre-heated oven at 180C/350F for about 20–25 minutes or until golden brown. This approach gives you oven-baked zucchini fritters with less oil usage.
To avoid your fritters falling apart while cooking, adding flour is crucial as it helps bind everything very well.
I promise this recipe will leave both taste buds satisfied and hearts full!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making Kabak Mücveri, the possibilities for substitutions and variations are endless. Here are a few ideas to help you mix things up:
– Cheese: While kasseri and feta cheese are the traditional choices for this recipe, you can experiment with different types of cheese to add your own twist to these fritters. Try using Parmesan, goat cheese or even shredded cheddar for a new flavor experience.
– Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill and parsley give these fritters their signature Mediterranean flavor. However, if you don’t have these on hand or prefer other herbs, you can swap them out for cilantro, mint, basil or any other fresh herb that you enjoy.
– Vegetables: The main ingredient in these fritters is zucchini, but you can get creative with other grated vegetables as well. Carrots, sweet potatoes or beets can make a tasty addition to the mix.
– Gluten-free: If you’re looking to make this recipe gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative such as almond flour or chickpea flour.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new with your Kabak Mücveri recipe. With all the possible substitutions and variations available, you might even come up with a new family favorite!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have perfectly cooked Kabak Mücveri (Turkish Zucchini Fritters), it’s time to think about what to serve with them. These fritters are so delicious, they can be served on their own as a snack, appetizer or side dish. However, they are also versatile enough to be paired with a wide range of other dishes.
One classic Turkish way to serve kabak mücveri is with a side of tzatziki dip. The cool tanginess of the yogurt sauce perfectly complements the crispy and savory fritters. You can also add some heat by serving the fritters with a spicy tomato dip or classic Turkish Ajvar relish.
For a more substantial meal, serve your zucchini fritters with salads like Shepherd’s Salad or Cacık (Turkish Tzatziki). You can even enjoy them as part of a mezze platter alongside other Mediterranean-inspired dishes like stuffed grape leaves, hummus, and pita bread.
If you’re looking for something heartier and want to make a meal out of your kabak mücveri, try serving them alongside marinated grilled chicken or lamb kabobs, roasted vegetables or oven-baked fish. The possibilities are endless!
A glass of refreshing white wine would go perfectly with these savory fritters. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving them with freshly squeezed lemonade or ice-cold Turkish tea.
Overall, these kabak mücveri make for a perfect addition to any dinner table that will please both vegetarian and meat-lovers alike.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Kabak Mücveri (Turkish Zucchini Fritters) are best served fresh and hot right off the pan but if you prepare more than what you need, storing or reheating them is a great option. These fritters can be made ahead of time and stored for later use or even reheated for a quick snack on the go.
To store kabak mücveri, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Place a layer of parchment paper between each layer of fritters to prevent them from sticking together. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating these fritters can be done in two different ways: oven baking or pan frying. To reheat using the oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cold kabak mücveri on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through and the edges become crispy.
If you prefer to reheat these fritters using a pan, take them out of the fridge and allow them to reach room temperature. Heat up some oil in a non-stick pan on medium-low heat and add the fritters, ensuring that each side is evenly heated for about 2-3 minutes per side. Serve hot with plain yogurt or tzatziki sauce for added flavor.
Although reheating may alter the texture slightly, these fritters will still maintain their signature flavors from when they were first made.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have the ingredients and the recipe, let’s talk about some tips that will help you achieve zucchini fritters worthy of an authentic Turkish feast.
1. Don’t be tempted to use a food processor to grate the zucchini. Hand-grated zucchini helps to give the kabak mücveri its unique texture, which cannot be achieved with a food processor. Use a coarse grater or box grater and remove any excess liquid by squeezing it out with your hands.
2. Once you’ve grated the zucchini, make sure to salt it to extract any remaining moisture. The best way to do this is to sprinkle salt over the grated zucchini and let it sit for at least 10-15 minutes before squeezing it dry.
3. Avoid overcrowding the fritters while cooking. If too many fritters are added to the pan at once, they will stick together and become greasy instead of crisp.
4. Fry the fritters in olive oil for an authentic Turkish flavor. Don’t skimp on this ingredient; it makes all the difference in taste and texture.
5. Be patient while flipping the fritters in the pan. If you flip them too early, they will fall apart and become a mushy mess.
6. Keep cooked fritters warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.
7. Experiment with different herbs and cheeses to suit your taste preferences or pantry availability. Kasseri cheese, feta cheese, fresh parsley, and dill are traditional ingredients, but don’t be afraid to try other variations.
8. Finally, enjoy making these delicious kabak mücveri but don’t forget that practice makes perfect! So keep experimenting until you get your perfect mix of ingredients that will keep even Ozlem’s Turkish gastronomic standards satisfied and keep your family praising your culinary skills!
FAQ
Now, it’s time for some frequently asked questions to ensure that your Kabak Mücveri turns out perfectly. I’ve compiled a list of the most common concerns and queries, so don’t fret if you have any doubts about the recipe. Keep reading to get all the answers you need.
Why are my Zucchini fritters falling apart?
Have you struggled with your zucchini fritters crumbling or sticking to the skillet? A possible cause of this issue is using overly moist zucchini in your batter. To prevent this, ensure that you properly dry your zucchini prior to preparing the batter. This allows the binding agents such as flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to effectively hold the fritters together.
Whats mucver?
Mücver, a popular Turkish snack, is a delectable fritter or pancake that is crafted using grated zucchini. These delectable treats are cooked in oil over a pan and their batter typically comprises eggs, onion, parsley, dill, flour, and at times, potatoes and cheese (beyaz peynir or kaşar). They bear striking similarities to potato pancakes and Jewish latkes that hail from diverse cultures.
What pairs well with Zucchini fritters?
A zucchini fritter is a delectable treat that can be enjoyed with either a side of sour cream or some marinara sauce for dipping. These fritters can also be transformed into a scrumptious slider or veggie burger.
Can you freeze raw Zucchini fritters?
Looking to make zucchini fritters in advance? Well then, I’ve got some tips for you. After letting the fritters cool to room temperature, you might want to consider flash-freezing them by spreading them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put the sheet in the freezer, and after a few hours, or until they’re completely solid, you can then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for storage.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these kabak mücveri Turkish zucchini fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy zucchini, and they are an easy and quick recipe that anyone can try. The ingredients used in this recipe will make your mouth water with their delicious flavor and taste.
Whether you want to serve them as an appetizer or side dish, these fritters will delight your taste buds with their crispy golden crust and light texture. Plus, there are many ways to customize the recipe by using different types of cheese, herbs or spices.
Moreover, the fact that you can store these fritters ahead and reheat them for a quick meal makes them a great option for busy weeknights. So why not try this family-pleasing recipe from Ozlem’s Turkish Table and bring some new delicious flavors to your dinner table?
Overall, if you’re looking for a new way to prepare zucchini or impress your guests with an exotic appetizer, this recipe is worth trying. Enjoy the fusion of Turkish cuisine and the fresh ingredients of summer with these kabak mücveri fritters!
Kabak Mücveri (Turkish Zucchini Fritters) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb zucchini
- 1/2 cup chopped green onion (spring)
- 1 small yellow onion, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 4 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup kasseri cheese, grated or 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 4 eggs, slightly beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- fresh ground pepper
- olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Grate the zucchini and place in a colander; sprinkle with salt and let drain for 30 minutes; squeeze out moisture and pat with paper towels.
- Place the zucchini in a bowl and add the green and yellow onions, dill, parsley, cheese, eggs, flour and salt and pepper to taste; mix well.
- In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, pour in oil to a depth of ¼ inch; when the oil is hot, drop the batter by heaping tablespoonfuls into the pan (or form into small patties), allow space in between fritters; fry for 2 minutes on the fist side, then turn to brown on the second side for about 3 minutes; using a slotted spatula transfer to paper towels or newspaper to drain; repeat with remaining batter.