Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 cup Caciocavallo del Monaco cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, Caciocavallo del Monaco cheese, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
3. Using a tablespoon, scoop the zucchini mixture and drop it into the hot oil. Flatten the fritters slightly with the back of the spoon.
4. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Repeat the process until all the zucchini mixture is used up.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes approximately 12 fritters
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 87
- Total fat: 5g
- Saturated fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 44mg
- Sodium: 97mg
- Total carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Caciocavallo del Monaco cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with gluten-free flour or almond flour.
Variations:
- Add chopped onions or scallions to the zucchini mixture for extra flavor.
- Substitute zucchini with grated carrots or sweet potatoes for a different twist.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to squeeze out excess water from the grated zucchini before adding it to the mixture to prevent the fritters from becoming too soggy.
- Use a non-stick frying pan to prevent the fritters from sticking to the pan.
- Serve the fritters immediately after frying for the best texture.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the fritters on a platter with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as chives or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve the fritters with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
- Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Serve the fritters with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the fritters are too wet, add more flour or cornmeal to the mixture to absorb excess moisture.
- If the fritters are too dry, add a splash of milk or water to the mixture to loosen it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to cook the fritters thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food History:
- Caciocavallo del Monaco is a type of cheese that originated in the southern region of Italy known as Campania.
Flavor Profiles:
- The fritters have a crispy exterior with a soft and cheesy interior. The zucchini adds a fresh and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the fritters as an appetizer or side dish at a dinner party or family gathering.
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Region: Italian