Spicy Courgette and Pea Fritters Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Spice Level: Medium
Dietary Info: Vegetarian
Rating: 3.9/5 (86 votes)
Views: 66,807
A delightful twist on the classic fritter, this Spicy Courgette and Pea Fritter is bursting with flavor, ideal for a quick and healthy snack, or as a side dish to your main meal. The combination of grated courgettes, peas, aromatic spices, and fresh coriander provides a refreshing yet spicy bite that will leave your taste buds dancing. These fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, offering a savory and slightly spicy treat, all while being vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Medium courgettes | 2, grated |
| Plain flour (or gram flour) | 100g |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Small onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Frozen peas, defrosted | 50g |
| Garlic cloves | 2, finely chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
| Green chili | 1, chopped |
| Fresh coriander | A handful, chopped |
| Chilli powder | 1 tsp |
| Garam masala | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Oil for frying | 2 tbsp |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Courgettes: Begin by grating the courgettes and sprinkling them with a little salt. Leave them to rest for as long as you can (ideally around 10 minutes). After this time, place the grated courgettes in a colander in the sink. Gently press out any excess water from the courgettes to avoid soggy fritters.
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Prepare the Fritter Batter: In a large bowl, combine the plain flour (or gram flour) with the baking powder. Add the grated courgettes, finely chopped onion, defrosted peas, garlic, salt, chopped green chili, fresh coriander, chili powder, garam masala, and cumin seeds. Use your hands or a spoon to squeeze and mix everything together. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little water to help bind the ingredients.
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Fry the Fritters: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, take a large spoonful of the fritter mixture and drop it into the pan. Gently press the mixture down to flatten it (it will be sticky).
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Cook the Fritters: Cook the fritters on the first side until they turn golden brown. Once they are golden, carefully flip them over and cook the other side until it is also crispy and golden. If the heat is too high, lower the temperature to ensure even cooking without burning.
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Serving: Once cooked, remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously spiced courgette and pea fritters!
Allergen Information:
- Gluten: Present (due to the use of plain flour). You can substitute the plain flour with gluten-free flour or gram flour if needed.
- Dairy: None (This recipe is dairy-free).
- Nuts: None.
- Vegetarian: Yes.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish contains no meat or meat-based products, making it suitable for vegetarians.
- Gluten-Free Option: If youโre looking for a gluten-free alternative, simply swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour mix or gram flour (chickpea flour).
- Vegan-Friendly: You can make this recipe vegan by using a plant-based flour and ensuring no animal-derived ingredients are used in the preparation.
Tips for the Best Fritters:
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Squeeze the Courgettes: Make sure to remove as much water as possible from the grated courgettes to avoid soggy fritters. The more you squeeze, the better the texture will be when frying.
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Customize the Spice Level: You can adjust the amount of chili powder and fresh green chili to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a milder version, feel free to reduce the amount of spice or leave out the green chili.
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Consistency Check: The batter should be slightly sticky but hold together. If itโs too dry, add a small amount of water; if itโs too wet, you can add a little extra flour.
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Frying Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry the fritters in batches. This ensures each fritter cooks evenly and crisps up properly.
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Serving Suggestions: These fritters are delicious served with a cooling yogurt dip, a side of chutney, or even as part of a larger Indian-inspired platter.
Conclusion:
These Spicy Courgette and Pea Fritters are the perfect combination of fresh, healthy ingredients and vibrant spices, making them a fantastic choice for a light meal or a savory snack. Theyโre quick and easy to prepare, require minimal cooking time, and are versatile enough to be enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite dips. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or enjoy a tasty vegetarian dish at home, these fritters will surely hit the spot.
