These fluffy patties are healthy to begin with, but if you want to make them even healthier, bake them instead.
4 large zucchini, grated
½ cup minced Italian parsley
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
4 garlic cloves, minced
crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
1 cup plain bread crumbs
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup olive oil (for frying)
Place grated zucchini in a colander and squeeze out as much water as possible. Transfer to a large bowl.
Add parsley, parmesan cheese, garlic, crushed red peppers, egg, salt and pepper, and bread crumbs. Mix well.
Form mixture into small balls. Roll a ball in the flour, shake off excess, and place it on a sheet of aluminum foil that you’ve set out near the stove. Press gently to flatten slightly. Repeat with remaining zucchini balls.
Heat the oil in a deep, heavy skillet. Place a few zucchini balls at a time into the hot oil. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry zucchini balls, flipping them over so that both sides get golden brown. Remove balls with a metal slotted spoon or tongs and place on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining zucchini balls.
These are excellent to serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping. (Tzatziki is a yogurt, cucumber, and garlic spread. You can buy it already made at most grocery stores.)