Zucchini meatballs

 Ingredients: * 3 zucchinis * 1 egg * 4-5 tablespoons grated telemea cheese (or cheese) * salt, pepper * 2 tablespoons flour * garlic powder (or one clove of finely chopped garlic) * oil for frying * parsley

Zucchini, versatile and delicious vegetables, are an excellent choice for a quick snack or a savory appetizer. We start by peeling the zucchini, thereby removing any bitterness that the skin may bring. After peeling the zucchini, we will grate them into a large bowl, ensuring we achieve a uniform texture. Here comes an important step: we sprinkle the zucchini with salt and let them sit for at least an hour. This process will not only help remove excess water but will also enhance the natural flavor of the zucchini.

After the waiting time has passed, we will notice how the zucchini have soaked up the salt and released a lot of water. It is essential to squeeze them well to eliminate all the accumulated juice. This step will prevent the final dish from becoming too wet. Once we have the drained zucchini, we transfer them to another bowl. Here, we add a fresh egg, which will act as a binder for our ingredients, providing an extra flavor boost.

We continue by adding grated cheese, which will enrich the taste of the dish. The cheese can be feta, telemea, or any other preferred type of cheese. Next comes the flour, which will provide a pleasant texture and help bind the mixture. At this point, we cannot forget about garlic, which will add an intense and aromatic flavor. The garlic can be crushed or finely chopped, depending on personal preferences. To complete the mix, we add pepper to taste and, of course, salt, being careful not to overdo it since we already have salt in the zucchini.

An essential ingredient is chopped parsley, which will provide an extra freshness and an attractive color note. We mix all these ingredients with a spatula until homogenized, achieving a dense and appetizing composition. Next, we prepare our pan: we heat oil, making sure there is enough to fry the patties evenly. Using a spoon, we take portions of the zucchini mixture and carefully place them in the pan, leaving space between them to cook evenly.

We let the patties fry until they become golden and crispy on one side, then we flip them with a spatula to brown the other side as well. Once they are ready, we remove them onto a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. These delicious zucchini patties are best served warm, alongside a yogurt sauce with dill or a fresh salad. Bon appétit!

 Tags:  eggs greenery cheese garlic flour oil zucchini cheese telemea vegetarian recipes meatballs