Parmesan Garlic Broccoli Fritters are a delicious and nutritious dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of broccoli and the rich taste of Parmesan cheese. These fritters are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect snack, side dish, or main course. They are easy to make and a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Parmesan Garlic Broccoli Fritters is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, they are packed with wholesome ingredients, providing you with the nutrients your body needs. They are also simple to prepare, making them a great recipe for both beginners and experienced cooks. Plus, these fritters offer a tasty way to get your family to eat more vegetables, and they can be enjoyed any time of the day!
How to Make Parmesan Garlic Broccoli Fritters
Ingredients:
- 3 cups broccoli florets and stem (roughly chopped into 2cm/1 inch pieces, about 1 medium head of broccoli)
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable, olive oil, canola)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp milk (low fat or full fat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Steam or boil the broccoli until quite tender but not mushy. You can do this in the microwave using a steamer for about 3 minutes on high.
- Use a potato masher to roughly “squish” the broccoli until it is somewhat flattened, but not completely mashed.
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt sauce ingredients and mix well.
- In another bowl, beat the egg lightly with a fork. Add the remaining batter ingredients and mix until combined. The batter may seem thick but will loosen up once the broccoli is added.
- Mix in the squished broccoli until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Scoop 1/4 cup of batter and drop it into the pan. Use a spoon to gently flatten it to about 1cm (1/3 inch) thickness. Cook up to 3 fritters at a time.
- Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve with the yogurt sauce and extra lemon wedges if desired.
How to Serve Parmesan Garlic Broccoli Fritters
These fritters can be served as a tasty snack, a side dish, or even as a vegetarian main course. They pair wonderfully with the yogurt sauce for dipping. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or some roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How to Store Parmesan Garlic Broccoli Fritters
To store leftover fritters, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a frying pan over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy again.
Tips to Make Parmesan Garlic Broccoli Fritters
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; you want it tender but still vibrant green.
- For extra flavor, try adding herbs or spices to the batter.
- If you want a crunchier texture, you can pan-fry the fritters with a bit more oil.
Variation
You can easily customize these fritters by adding ingredients such as chopped onions, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots for added color and nutrition. You can also swap the Parmesan cheese for another cheese of your choice if you prefer.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure it is fully thawed and drained of excess water before mixing it into the batter.
2. How do I know when the fritters are done cooking?
The fritters should be golden brown on the outside and firm to the touch. If they are still soft in the center after cooking, they might need a bit more time.
3. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the fritters! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the fritters on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
With these simple steps, you can easily whip up a batch of these tasty Parmesan Garlic Broccoli Fritters and enjoy a healthier twist on snacking!
Parmesan Garlic Broccoli Fritters
Ingredients
Vegetable mixture
- 3 cups broccoli florets and stem, roughly chopped about 1 medium head of broccoli
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Batter ingredients
- ½ cup plain flour
- ¼ cup grated parmesan
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp milk low fat or full fat
- ½ tsp salt
- to taste black pepper
Yogurt sauce
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- to taste salt and pepper
Cooking oil
- 2 tbsp oil vegetable, olive, or canola
Instructions
Preparation
- Steam or boil the broccoli until quite tender but not mushy, about 3 minutes in the microwave using a steamer.
- Use a potato masher to roughly ‘squish’ the broccoli until somewhat flattened but not completely mashed.
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt sauce ingredients and mix well.
- In another bowl, beat the egg lightly with a fork. Add the remaining batter ingredients and mix until combined.
- Mix in the squished broccoli until evenly distributed in the batter.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Scoop 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and gently flatten it to about 1cm (1/3 inch) thickness. Cook up to 3 fritters at a time.
- Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. Repeat with remaining batter.
Serving
- Serve the fritters with the yogurt sauce and extra lemon wedges if desired.
