These fritters are a great way to use up leftover zucchini and chickpeas. They're crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a flavorful combination of spices. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer.
The story of these fritters begins in the Middle East, where they are a popular street food. They are typically made with a combination of chickpeas, zucchini, and spices, and they are often served with a yogurt-based sauce. Over time, the recipe has spread to other parts of the world, and there are now many different variations on the basic recipe. Our version of these fritters is inspired by the classic Middle Eastern recipe, but we've added a few of our own twists. We use a combination of zucchini and chickpeas, and we add a variety of spices to give them a flavorful kick. We also cook them in olive oil instead of frying them, which makes them a healthier option.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups grated zucchini
1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, chickpeas, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, cumin, coriander, and salt. Mix well.
Add the flour and mix until just combined.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and flatten them slightly.
Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Why It Works
The combination of zucchini and chickpeas gives these fritters a great balance of texture. The zucchini is soft and moist, while the chickpeas add a bit of crunch.
The spices add a lot of flavor to these fritters. We use a combination of cumin, coriander, and salt, but you can adjust the spices to your own taste.
Cooking the fritters in olive oil instead of frying them makes them a healthier option. Olive oil is a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.