Vegetable Fritters

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds vegetable(s) of choice

1 large egg

1/2 cup grated or crumbled cheese

1/4 to 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour, if gluten-free)

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh herbs, or 1 teaspoon ground spices

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil

Dipping sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Grate root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potato on the large holes of a box grater. Grate and drain zucchini and summer squash. Chop and steam cauliflower and broccoli florets. Cut corn off the cob.

2. In a large bowl, whisk the egg thoroughly.

3. Squeeze handfuls of wet vegetables, like grated zucchini, to remove excess liquid before adding them to the bowl with the egg.

4. Add the cheese, 1/4 cup of flour, herbs, spices, garlic, salt, and pepper to the bowl.Use a spatula to mix everything together so that it's evenly combined.

5. Test the batter: Check to see if you can form a patty in your hands and it holds together. If not, add a little more flour to the mixture.

6. Heat the oil and add the batter: Heat the oil in a large skillet or frying pan, preferably cast iron or non-stick, over medium-high heat until shimmering. Drop 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, flatten it slightly with a flat spatula, and continue dropping more batter, leaving about 2 inches of space between the fritters and being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

7. Let the fritters cook undisturbed until browned on the bottom, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip the patties with the spatula and cook until browned on the second side, 2 to 3 minutes more.

8. Remove the fritters to a paper towel-lined large plate. Repeat making the fritters.

9. Transfer the fritters to a plate and serve warm, at room temperature, or cold with a dipping sauce of your choice, if using.

Recipe developed and photographed by on-farm Registered Dietitian Alex Chesney