Greek Zucchini Patties

Ingredients

• 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)

Steps

1. Place grated zucchini in a colander and squeeze out as much water as possible. Transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add parsley, parmesan cheese, garlic, crushed red peppers, egg, salt and pepper, and bread crumbs. Mix well.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.)