Description

These zucchini chickpea fritters are the perfect combination of healthy, savory, and satisfying. With the addition of Indian spices such as cumin, turmeric, and garam masala, they offer a unique flavor profile that makes them stand out. Flour-free and vegan, they are an excellent addition to salads, roasted veggies, or even wrapped in collard greens for a healthy meal on the go.

Ingredients

12 oz cooked chickpeas (about 1.5 cups)

10 oz zucchini, grated (about 2 cups, before squeezing)

2 tbsp rolled oats

Salt, to taste

1/4 tsp turmeric

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp ground coriander

1/4 tsp garam masala

A spray of oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

Sprinkle some salt over the grated zucchini and set it aside in a colander for about 10 minutes to allow it to release excess moisture.
In a bowl, mash the chickpeas using a potato masher until the texture is medium-coarse. The chickpeas should stick together but still have some chunky pieces.
Squeeze the zucchini thoroughly to release all the water. The zucchini should now weigh closer to 8 oz.
In the same bowl as the chickpeas, combine the zucchini, oats, salt, and spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala). Mix everything thoroughly. Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Let the batter rest in the fridge for at least 3 hours (overnight works too).
When ready to cook, divide the batter into 8 portions. Using your hands, roll each portion into a ball, then flatten slightly to form a patty.
Heat a cast-iron skillet and lightly spray with oil. Add the fritters and let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they form a nice sear. Once seared on one side, flip and cook the other side until done.
For best results, do not disturb the fritters while they cook, as they need to sit undisturbed to hold together.

Notes

Add Fresh Herbs: For extra flavor, try adding fresh cilantro or mint to the fritter mixture.
Spicy Zucchini Fritters: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the mix.
Add Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest added to the fritter mix will give a bright, fresh flavor to balance out the spices.
Baked Version: If you prefer a lower-fat version, bake the fritters at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain their crispiness, reheat the fritters in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus resting time in the fridge)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Meal Prep
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 380mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg