Zucchini and Paper vegetable Pancakes
Zucchini and Pepper Vegetable Pancakes are a delicious, crispy, and savory way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a simple and satisfying dish. Made with shredded zucchini, bell peppers, and a light batter, these pancakes are pan-fried to golden perfection. They are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal, served with a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or a zesty dipping sauce. Packed with nutrients and flavor, these veggie pancakes are a great way to sneak in more vegetables while enjoying a crunchy and flavorful bite!
Ingredients
1 zucchini, shredded
Salt, to taste
2 Bulgarian peppers, finely chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped, to taste
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 chicken eggs
Black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons flour
Olive oil, for frying
Directions
Shred the zucchini and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with a little salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
After 10 minutes, use a clean cloth or paper towel to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as possible.
Finely chop the Bulgarian peppers and mince the garlic cloves. Chop the fresh parsley.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded zucchini, chopped peppers, minced garlic, and fresh parsley.
Crack the eggs into the bowl and mix well. Season with black pepper to taste.
Add the flour to the mixture and stir until everything is well combined. The flour helps bind the ingredients and gives the fritters their structure.
Fry the Fritters:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
Once the oil is hot, spoon dollops of the mixture into the skillet, flattening them slightly to form fritters.
Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
Remove the cooked fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
1. Prepare the Zucchini Properly
Grate the zucchini and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This prevents soggy pancakes.
If using bell peppers, finely dice them so they mix well into the batter.
Add a pinch of salt to the grated zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes before squeezing—this draws out more water.
2. Use the Right Binders
Eggs help bind the mixture together.
A small amount of flour or breadcrumbs (about 2-3 tablespoons per cup of zucchini) helps absorb extra moisture and gives structure.
For extra crispiness, mix in a bit of cornstarch or grated parmesan.
3. Seasoning is Key
Use garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, or fresh herbs like dill or parsley for flavor.
A little grated cheese (cheddar, parmesan, or feta) can add a delicious twist.
4. Cook at the Right Temperature
Heat oil (olive oil or avocado oil works great) in a pan over medium heat.
If the heat is too low, they will become soggy; too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through.
Use a non-stick pan for easy flipping.
5. Make Them Extra Crispy
Cook in small batches so the pan doesn’t get overcrowded.
Flatten the pancakes slightly for even cooking and crispier edges.
If needed, keep cooked pancakes warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while making more.
6. Serve with a Great Dip
Greek yogurt with garlic and lemon
Sour cream with chives
Sriracha mayo for a spicy kick
Tzatziki or hummus for a Mediterranean twist