Ingredients
1 cup of rice (cooked)
2 medium zucchini, grated
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
1/2 tsp red sweet pepper (paprika)
1/4 tsp red hot pepper (chili flakes or cayenne)
2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Zucchini: Grate the zucchini using a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze hard to remove as much excess moisture as possible. This ensures your fritters stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
2. Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, squeezed grated zucchini, and finely chopped onion.
3. Bind and Season: Add the egg, red sweet pepper, red hot pepper, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir the mixture thoroughly until a uniform, sticky batter forms. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a tablespoon of flour or breadcrumbs to help bind it.
4. Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat.
5. Fry the Fritters: Scoop out a generous tablespoon of the mixture for each fritter and place it into the hot skillet. Press down gently with the back of the spoon to flatten into patties. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until beautifully golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the fritters from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve warm as a side dish or snack, paired perfectly with a side of sour cream or garlic yogurt dip.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – Recipe serves 3)
Calories: 190 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 6.5g
Fiber: 2g
Health Benefits
High in Antioxidants: Zucchini provides an excellent source of vitamin C and carotenoids, which support healthy skin, vision, and robust immune defenses.
Easy on Digestion: Cooked rice is a gentle, easily digestible source of clean carbohydrates, providing your body with steady, readily accessible energy.
Metabolic Support: The addition of red hot pepper contains capsaicin, a compound known to slightly stimulate metabolic rate and aid circulation.
Budget-Friendly and Zero Waste: A brilliant, cost-effective recipe that allows you to easily transform leftover cooked rice and basic produce into a satisfying meal.