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Zesty Zucchini Recipes: Fresh Ideas for Minnesota's Summer Harvest

Welcome to Zesty Zucchini Heaven!

Hey there, Minnesota foodies! It's that time of year when our gardens are overflowing with vibrant, green zucchinis. And let's face it, sometimes it's hard to come up with new ways to use them all up. But fear not – Jackie Maple here, ready to zest up your zucchini game! Today, we're diving into a recipe that's not just tasty, but also super easy to whip up: Zesty Zucchini Fritters. Perfect as a snack, side, or even a main dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium zucchinis, grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 2-3 tablespoons olive oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Start by grating your zucchinis into a large bowl. Sprinkle the salt over the grated zucchini and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This will help draw out some of the moisture.
  2. After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini. You want it dry to get the right fritter texture.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, flour, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, black pepper, and the beaten egg. Mix everything well until you have a thick batter.
  4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the batter into the skillet, flattening it slightly with the back of your spoon to form a fritter.
  5. Cook the fritters for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
  6. Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serving Suggestions:

These zesty zucchini fritters are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot with a dollop of sour cream or a side of marinara sauce for dipping. They also pair perfectly with a fresh summer salad. Enjoy them as an appetizer, a side dish, or even the main event of your meal!

That's it folks – a simple, delicious way to celebrate Minnesota's summer zucchini bounty. Make sure to try out this recipe and let us know how it goes in the comments below!