Vegetable Fritters with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
Crispy, golden vegetable fritters packed with zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, and fresh herbs, paired with a cool, creamy herbed yogurt sauce for a refreshing and flavorful bite. These fritters make a delightful appetizer, side dish, or light vegetarian meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegetable fritters are the perfect way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables in one satisfying dish. The fritters are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and seasoned with aromatic spices that pair beautifully with the tangy, herb-infused yogurt sauce. This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and a great option for using up leftover vegetables. It also works well for meal prep and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Fritters:
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup grated carrot
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Herbed Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine zucchini, carrot, bell pepper, parsley, flour, eggs, baking powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the batter is well combined.
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the fritter mixture into the skillet, flatten slightly, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mint, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Serve fritters warm with the herbed yogurt sauce on the side, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add finely chopped spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Swap cumin and paprika for curry powder for a different flavor profile.
- Use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicier kick.
- Replace yogurt with plant-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly sauce.
storage/reheating
Store fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crisp again. The yogurt sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; stir before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a lighter version.
2. How do I keep the fritters from getting soggy?
Make sure to squeeze excess water from the zucchini and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.
3. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, corn, sweet potato, or broccoli work well in this recipe.
4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free flour or chickpea flour instead.
6. Can I freeze the fritters?
Yes, freeze cooked fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat in the oven for best results.
7. What oil is best for frying fritters?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or sunflower oil.
8. Can I serve these without the sauce?
Yes, but the sauce adds a refreshing contrast. You could also use tzatziki, hummus, or sour cream.
9. Can I make them vegan?
Yes, replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based yogurt for the sauce.
10. What can I serve with these fritters?
They pair well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or pita bread.
Conclusion
Vegetable Fritters with Herbed Yogurt Sauce are a versatile and flavorful way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a crisp, golden package. The combination of spiced, tender fritters with a cool, tangy yogurt sauce creates a satisfying balance of textures and tastes. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or light main course, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that can be adapted to suit many dietary preferences.
PrintVegetable Fritters with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
Crispy and flavorful vegetable fritters made with zucchini, carrot, and red bell pepper, seasoned with warm spices, and served with a refreshing herbed yogurt sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil for frying
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine zucchini, carrot, red bell pepper, parsley, flour, eggs, baking powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet, flatten slightly, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- For the sauce, mix Greek yogurt, mint, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
- Serve the fritters warm with herbed yogurt sauce on the side, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Ensure zucchini is well-drained to prevent soggy fritters.
- You can substitute flour with chickpea flour for a gluten-free version.
- These fritters also taste great with tzatziki or spicy mayo.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: vegetable fritters, zucchini fritters, herbed yogurt sauce, Mediterranean appetizer, vegetarian snack