Zucchini Fritters

These fresh and herby gluten-free fritters are a great way to use up the loads of zucchini you have bursting from your summer garden, while adding flavorful fiber to your diet. These make a great side snack or addition to a well-balanced meal.

Adapted from Minimalist Baker

Fritter Ingredients

• About 2 cups of shredded zucchini 
• 2 cups cooked and cooled quinoa
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• ½ cup minced onion or shallots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups of chopped spinach, kale or arugula
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup mixed herbs (mint and dill work nicely!)
• ½ cup gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill)

Tzatziki Ingredients

• 1 cup grated cucumber
• 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2  teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons dill or mint leaves, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Shred zucchini on large side of box grater. Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out as much water as possible. Set aside.
2. Heat avocado oil in large skillet. Add onion and garlic with salt. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the zucchini and sauté for another 2-3 minutes before adding the greens. Stir just until wilted and set aside.
3. Crack eggs into small bowl and whisk to combine
4. Add veggies, cooled quinoa and herbs to large bowl. Add eggs and gluten-free flour. Stir well to combine. The mixture should be slightly sticky, but you should be able to handle it. Add more flour if too tacky.
5. Form the batter into about ¼-inch-thick patties and set aside on a baking sheet or platter.
6. Heat more avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add fritters, a few at a time. Pan fry until golden brown (3-5 minutes on each side). If you have an air fryer, you can bake for an additional few minutes at 400 degrees to get an even crispier fritter.
7. Make the Tzatziki sauce by grating 1 cup of cucumber with large holes of box grater. Squeeze out the moisture with a clean towel. Add the cucumber to a medium mixing bowl with remaining ingredients. Stir well to combine.
8. Serve as a snack with Tzatziki or as a side with a protein such as salmon or chicken thighs or breasts.