Broccoli Fritters Recipe

Broccoli fritters are a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a crispy, flavorful dish. These fritters are easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and perfect for any occasion—whether as a light snack, a side dish, or even a main course. Broccoli, a nutrient powerhouse, gets a crispy makeover in these fritters, combining with spices and a light batter for a crunchy exterior and tender interior.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Broccoli

1. Blanching the Broccoli:

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   • If you’re using fresh broccoli, start by washing it thoroughly and cutting it into small florets. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt.
   • Once the water is boiling, add the broccoli florets and blanch them for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and slightly tender. The goal is to soften the broccoli just enough to make it easier to mash but still retain its vibrant color and nutrients.
   • After blanching, immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. This step helps the broccoli retain its bright color and nutrients.

2. Draining and Chopping:

   • Once the broccoli has cooled, drain it thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent the fritters from becoming soggy.
   • Chop the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also use a food processor to pulse the broccoli until it’s finely chopped, but be careful not to puree it—small pieces work best for fritters.

Step 2: Preparing the Fritter Mixture

1. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

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   • In a large bowl, crack the egg (or egg substitute) and whisk it lightly. Then add the flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
   • Add the chopped broccoli, garlic, onion, and grated carrot (if using) to the mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated. You should have a thick mixture that holds together well. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a little water or milk (dairy or non-dairy) to loosen it up. If it’s too wet, add a bit more flour or breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.

2. Adjusting the Seasoning:

   • Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your taste preferences. If you like a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or if you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, add a little more garlic powder or minced fresh garlic.

Step 3: Shaping the Fritters

1. Forming the Fritters:

   • With your hands or a spoon, form small patties from the broccoli mixture, about 2 to 3 inches in diameter. You can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference. Be sure to press the fritters firmly to help them hold their shape while frying.

2. Chilling the Fritters (Optional):

   • For even crispier fritters, place the shaped fritters on a tray and refrigerate them for about 20-30 minutes. This helps them set and firm up, making them easier to fry without falling apart.

Step 4: Frying the Fritters

1. Heating the Oil:

   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You’ll need just enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. If you’re making a larger batch, you can add more oil as necessary.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the fritters to the pan, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Leave space between each fritter so they can cook evenly. If necessary, cook the fritters in batches.

2. Frying the Fritters:

   • Fry the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You can press down lightly with a spatula to ensure they cook evenly. Be patient and let them get nice and crispy before flipping them.

3. Draining Excess Oil:

   • Once the fritters are golden and crisp, remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serving the Fritters

1. Garnishing:

   • Serve the fritters immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired. Pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a plant-based yogurt for a creamy dip. You can also squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fritters for an extra zing.

2. Enjoying the Fritters:

   • These fritters can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or light meal. They pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or a simple tomato dipping sauce. You can also serve them with a tangy vinaigrette or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips and Variations:

1. Gluten-Free Fritters:

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can easily make these fritters gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Almond flour or chickpea flour are also great gluten-free options for the batter.

2. Vegan Fritters:

To make these fritters vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water and left to sit for 5 minutes) and use a dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether. A non-dairy milk like almond milk or oat milk can be used in place of regular milk.

3. Flavor Variations:

Feel free to experiment with the flavor of your fritters. Some variations you can try include:

• Spicy: Add a diced chili pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for an extra kick.
• Herbed: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, or basil for a fresh, fragrant flavor.
• Cheese Lovers: You can add different types of cheese, such as cheddar, feta, or mozzarella, for a richer taste.

4. Baking Instead of Frying:

If you prefer a lighter option, you can bake the fritters instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray them with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

5. Freezing Fritters:

If you want to make a big batch and save some for later, broccoli fritters freeze beautifully. After frying, let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer the fritters to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

Conclusion:

Broccoli fritters are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this nutrient-packed vegetable in a fun, crispy format. Whether you’re looking to incorporate more vegetables into your meals, need a quick snack, or want to serve a crowd-pleasing appetizer, broccoli fritters are a fantastic option. With endless customization possibilities, these fritters can be adapted to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free to spicy and cheesy.

Yield: 10

Broccoli Fritters Recipe

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Broccoli fritters are a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while still enjoying a crispy, flavorful dish. These fritters are easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and perfect for any occasion—whether as a light snack, a side dish, or even a main course. Broccoli, a nutrient powerhouse, gets a crispy makeover in these fritters, combining with spices and a light batter for a crunchy exterior and tender interior.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dried parsley
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for about 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain well and let them cool slightly. For frozen broccoli, thaw it and squeeze out any excess moisture.
2. Mash the Broccoli: Once cooled, finely chop the broccoli or use a food processor to pulse it into small pieces. You want it to have a rice-like texture.
3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed broccoli, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, cheddar (if using), eggs, garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir everything together until the mixture holds together. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs until it forms a firm mixture.
4. Form Fritters: Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into small patties, pressing them gently to compact.
5. Fry the Fritters: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the fritters and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve: Remove the fritters from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
7. Enjoy: Serve warm with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch or a yogurt-based dip.

Notes

Make Ahead: These fritters can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them and reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop.

Baking Option: For a healthier version, bake the fritters at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Add-ins: Feel free to add finely chopped onions, peppers, or herbs for extra flavor.