Delectable Zucchini Fritters...

Love 'em fritters! These are definitely crowd-pleasers for the old and young alike! It's a great way to get in a lot of the nutritious vegetable (you use 3) in such a fun and tasty format, which can be attempted to win over a picky eater. Try using chives as directed for a different accent on the mild flavour of the zucchinis. FACT: Did you know that the more common name for zucchini is squash?

Zucchini Fritters

Makes about 12 fritters

1-1/2 lbs. zucchini (about 3 medium), grated
1/2 tsp. kosher salt plus more for seasoning
1 large egg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. chopped green onions, fresh chives or Korean chives
1 Tbsp. cornstarch (this gives the fritters their crispy touch)
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil, divided for cooking in two batches

3 Tbsp. unseasoned rice vinegar 
1 Tbsp. soy sauce 
1-1/2 tsp. sugar 
crushed red pepper flakes 

Place zucchini in a colander set in the sink and toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let stand ten minutes, then wring zucchini dry in a clean towel or several paper towels. Meanwhile, mix vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes in a small bowl until sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

Place zucchini in a large bowl and gently mix in egg, flour, onions/chives, and cornstarch; season with salt and pepper. 

Once mixed, use right away or the excess moisture will accumulate creating soft fritters.

Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cooking in two batches, drop 1/4 cup zucchini mixture into skillet, flattening slightly; cook until golden and crisp, about three minutes per side. Transfer fritters to a paper towel–lined plate. Serve with soy dipping sauce.

Do Ahead TIP: Fritters can be made 30 minutes ahead. Keep warm in a 200°F oven.

My kids love the slightly crispy, burnt offerings with a subtle hint of onion in its overall mellow flavour. Dipped in the mild tangy savoury sweet sauce and they were in heaven! Étienne says to me, "Mom, yummm.. new taste." I made it twice when he was younger but he didn't remember nor did he enjoy it then. Goes to show you have to reintroduce foods to your kids- they may just love it the next time!

My little one was not too keen on the fritters as they were, so I cut it up into tiny pieces and mixed it in his steamed rice. Since it was relatively soft, the texture blended well and he ate everything not noticing it at all!

If you like zucchini, give Zucchini Bread a try. Perfect for sneaking in extra vegetables and a whole lotta yummy flavours for those picky eaters!