Zucchini Pancakes

Zucchini Pancakes are a delightful way to enjoy the goodness of zucchini with a crispy and savory twist. These pancakes hold the grated zucchini together with a simple batter, and you can get creative by adding other vegetables or flavors. Here’s how you can make these delicious pancakes:

Makes: 4 servings

Time: At least 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• About 2 pounds zucchini or yellow squash
• 1/2 onion, grated
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or plain bread crumbs, preferably fresh (page 876), more or less, plus more for dredging
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Grate the zucchini by hand or with the grating disk of a food processor.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with grated onion, lightly beaten egg, all-purpose flour or bread crumbs, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of flour or bread crumbs if needed to achieve a mixture that can hold its shape.
3. Optionally, refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour to firm it up.
4. Heat butter or extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Dredge the zucchini mixture in flour or bread crumbs and shape it into 4 to 8 burger-shaped patties.
6. Cook the patties in the skillet, turning once, until both sides are nicely browned and crispy, approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness.
7. Serve the zucchini pancakes hot or at room temperature.

VARIATIONS:

• Zucchini-Pesto Pancakes: Substitute Parmesan cheese with Traditional Pesto (page 27) for a delicious twist.
• Zucchini Pancakes, Asian Style: Add minced garlic, fresh ginger, and chopped scallion to the zucchini mixture. Omit the Parmesan and use neutral oil like grapeseed or corn instead of butter.

Enjoy these delectable Zucchini Pancakes as a side dish, light meal, or even as sandwich fillers with your favorite toppings and sauces!

These zucchini pancakes are a delightful and versatile addition to your recipe collection. They are perfect as a side dish, a light meal, or even as sandwich fillers with your favorite toppings and sauces. Whether you enjoy them plain or explore the Asian-inspired or pesto variations, these crispy and flavorful pancakes are sure to become a family favorite. They are a great way to use up excess zucchini and can be made in no time, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Give them a try and savor the delicious taste of zucchini in a whole new way!