Zucchini Fritters

You know what summertime means for those of you who have gardens, right?  Lots and lots of zucchini that needs to be cooked.  And that's great for those of us looking for low carb recipes!  The in-season squash is plentiful and inexpensive and ready to be picked or purchased and brought straight to your tables!  Now I have to say that it's rare that we fry things at our house; but every now and then its nice to have a fun little appetizer.  This time, it was just the the two of us hanging out, and it was sort of nice to have a little something before dinner.  That's also when it's an opportune time to try new things.  

You could easily make these up ahead of time and have them on a sheet pan in the fridge ready to fry if you were doing them for company.  It was such a fun (and delicious) way to incorporate a healthy vegetable into one of my favorite things on Earth - ooey, gooey, melted cheese!  

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Ingredients:  (4 servings)

• 4 medium sized zucchini squashes 
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• choose gluten free if your diet requires it
• 3 Tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 Tbsp kosher salt 
• + more when they come out of fryer (optional)
• 8 oz ball of fresh mozzarella
• 2 large eggs + 2 Tbsp water
• 1 cup Panko Japanese style breadcrumbs
• these are also available in a gluten free version
• *Optional - Parmesan cheese
• Oil for frying 
• Marinara or pasta sauce for dipping

* Special equipment - toothpicks 

Step-by-Step:

First, let me say that I sort of threw the breading station together, without measuring it all that much. So if you have leftover stuff at the end, or need more... please resist the urge to send me nasty comments.  I had tons left over for 2 zucchini, so I'm imagining it will be perfect for 4... but I'm not going to put money on it.  Work with me here, people!  😀  

That being said, let's get our breading station set up first.  Zucchini are very mild and need lots of seasoning, in my humble opinion. So let's get this party started by seasoning up our flour.  This may seem like a lot, but there's not going to be a lot in contact with the actual vegetable, so go for it!

1 cup AP flour + 3 Tbsp Italian seasoning

1Tbsp kosher salt

Let's prepare our zucchini.  I'm using a mandoline in order to get very thin, very uniform slices. Please be aware that this equipment is super sharp!  I'm using the middle setting, which is the second thinnest setting.  I felt that the slices I started with (the third setting) were too thick to bend properly and were not flexible enough to wrap around the cheese without snapping. 

zucchini slices

I cut the mozzarella ball into slices, then each slice into quarters.  I placed each quarter in the middle of an "x" that I made out of two slices of zucchini.

zucchini + a piece of fresh mozzarella

Next being wrapping the zucchini slices over the mozzarella, securing with a toothpick.

wrap!

secure!

We're ready now to add the coating to our little zucchini mozzarella bombs!
First, coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour.

into the seasoned flout

Second, dip the floured zucchini in the egg wash.

2 large eggs + 2 Tbsp water, beaten

Third, coat the zucchini into the Panko bread crumbs.  You could also add in some grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumbs.  I happened to be out.

*Panko bread crumbs have about half of the carbs of regular bread crumbs.  They do come in an Italian Seasoned version (I wish I had those).  And they also have a gluten free version.  

1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Set the breaded zucchini on a sheet pan until you are ready to fry them.

prepared mozzarella stuffed zucchini "bombs"

Fry the breaded zucchini at about 375 for around 2 minutes until golden brown.  Drain on a paper towel lined sheet pan.  Salt them when they come out of the fryer if you'd like.  

into the Euro fryer at 375 F x 2 min 

Serve while hot with marinara or pasta sauce of your choice!

I hope you enjoyed this fun recipe!
Here are some others I think you'll really like. 

Mozzarella Caprese Skewers   All your favorites together in two bites!  Perfect for your next party!

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus - High protein, low carb goodness and insanely easy to make! 

Pimento Cheese Burgers - The "caviar of the South" meets backyard grilling!  Wait till those hot burgers start melting that spread.  Mmmmm.

Mongolian Beef - chop, drop, sizzle and stir.. but make extra because you may end up with extra peeps! 

Alice Springs Chicken - a copycat of one of your Australian steakhouse favorites!

Creamy Grape Salad - a healthier version of the one you're used to. 

Written Method:

First, let me say that I sort of threw the breading station together, without measuring it all that much. So if you have leftover stuff at the end, or need more... please resist the urge to send me nasty comments.  I had tons left over for 2 zucchini, so I'm imagining it will be perfect for 4... but I'm not going to put money on it.  

That being said, get your breading station set up first.  Zucchini are very mild and need lots of seasoning. Let's get this party started by seasoning up your flour.  This may seem like a lot, but there's not going to be a lot in contact with the actual vegetable, so go for it!

Let's prepare your zucchini.  Use a mandoline in order to get very thin, very uniform slices. Please be aware that this equipment is super sharp!  Use the middle setting, which is the second thinnest setting. The third setting is too thick to bend properly and is not flexible enough to wrap around the cheese without snapping.  Cut the mozzarella ball into slices, then each slice into quarters.  Place each quarter in the middle of an "x" that you make out of two slices of zucchini.  Next,  wrap the zucchini slices over the mozzarella, securing with a toothpick.

Now you're ready to add the coating to the little zucchini mozzarella bombs!  First, coat them thoroughly in the seasoned flour.  Second, dip the floured zucchini in the egg wash.  Third, coat the zucchini into the Panko bread crumbs.  Set the breaded zucchini on a sheet pan until you are ready to fry them.

Fry the breaded zucchini at about 375 for around 2 minutes until golden brown.  Drain on a paper towel lined sheet pan.  Salt them when they come out of the fryer if you'd like.  Serve while hot with marinara or pasta sauce of your choice!

Stuffed Eggplant Parmesan with Italian Sausage

My husband has been craving eggplant lately.  He even left a magazine page open to an eggplant recipe for me to see.  Okay!  Okay!  I get the message.  Now on the the other hand, I'm over here trying to eat healthy, so I didn't exactly want to drag out the fryer to make the traditional eggplant Parmesan. Somewhere I found a the concept of making the recipe IN the eggplant itself... BINGO! No frying, and super elegant!  

To make this eggplant dish more "man friendly," and also to make it a heartier dish, I added some Italian sausage to it.  Maybe that's not exactly traditional in eggplant Parm, but who cares?  It may just be the difference in getting your kiddos or veggie-phobe family members to eat it!  Well whatever the case, it went over like a champ!  My dear husband said he would eat this any night!   Not to mention the presentation is very elegant if you are having a dinner party.  

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Ingredients: (serves 4)

• 2 (16 oz) eggplants
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (approximately) (EVOO)
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage 
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp  dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic (~ 3 large cloves, finely minced)
• 1 cup yellow onions, chopped 
• 1 cup chopped Roma tomatoes
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup fresh basil ribbons
• 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano reggiano, divided
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups jarred pasta sauce, divided
• 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, torn into small pieces
• Small, fresh basil leaves for topping

Step-by-Step

Begin by preheating the oven to 350F.  Then prepare the eggplants by peeling strips of the skin about 1" wide off of them with a vegetable peeler.

Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise.

We are going to roast the flesh of the eggplant and want the heat to penetrate all the way through, so score the eggplant pulp in a crosshatch pattern, being careful to not cut through the skin.  This is also going to make it easier to remove the flesh after it has been roasted.

Brush each eggplant half with 1 tablespoon EVOO in a 9"x 13" casserole baking dish.

Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

While the eggplant is roasting in the oven, let's start on the rest of our filling.
In a heavy skillet, begin browning the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks over medium high heat.

1 pound mild Italian sausage

As you sausage is cooking, let's start seasoning it with 1 tsp kosher salt.

1 tsp kosher salt

When the sausage is about halfway cooked, add the chopped onions.

When the onions are soft and mostly translucent, further season the meat with 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 Tbsp minced garlic.  Adjust seasoning as needed.   Remove from heat when done.

1 tsp dried basil 

1 tsp dried oregano

1 Tbsp minced garlic

Allow roasted eggplants to cool briefly to make them easier to handle.  Remove the pulp from the eggplants using a serrated tomato corer or a melon baller, leaving about a 1/2-inch shell intact.  Set the shells aside.  Coarsely chop the pulp and set aside in a medium bowl.

roasted eggplants

To the eggplant pulp, add chopped tomato.

1 cup chopped tomatoes

Add in 1 cup of the cooked Italian sausage mixture.  You may choose to use more if you'd like, but that's how much I chose.  I set the rest aside for another application.  😄  I just didn't think there would be any way all of the would fit back into those eggplant shells.  Ha!

1 cup cooked Italian sausage mixture

Add in 1/2 tsp kosher salt.

1/2 tsp kosher salt

Add in 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella.

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella

Add  in 1/2 cup fresh basil that you have cut into thin ribbons.  I was a tad bit shy of 1/2 cup here, but you get the picture.

1/2 cup fresh basil ribbons

Add in 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano reggiano.

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano reggiano

Add in 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.  You might like to bump this up to 1/2 tsp if you would like a little more heat.

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Mix in the two large eggs to the mixture and stir well to incorporate all ingredients.

2 large eggs

Spread 1/2 cup of the jarred pasta sauce over the bottom of the casserole dish.  Arrange the eggplant shells over the sauce.  Fill the shells equally with the cooked eggplant pulp/Italian sausage mixture.

1/2 cup jarred pasta sauce

Top with remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce, spreading evenly to cover filling.

1 cup jarred pasta sauce

Sprinkle the tops of each eggplant using the 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs.

1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
*sub Udi's bread, crumbled in food processor for gluten free recipe

Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and top the eggplant halves, then sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano reggiano.

1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, torn + 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano reggiano

Bake eggplants in preheated oven until the cheeses are melted and just slightly browned, about 40 minutes.

Garnish with small basil leaves to serve.

I hope you enjoyed this great recipe!  Here are some others I think you'll like.
Baked Brie Dip with Sun Dried Tomatoes - all you need is French bread and wine and you're all set!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Garlic Aioli  - an unexpected but irresistible appetizer!

Crock Pot Beef and Broccoli -  don't we LOVE easy crock pot meals?!

Chicken Cordon Bleu - perfect for date night and company!

Blueberry lemon bars - ladies luncheon?  Baby showers?  YES!!!!  

Written Method:

Begin by preheating the oven to 350F.  Prepare the eggplants by peeling strips of the skin about 1" wide off of them with a vegetable peeler.  Cut the eggplants in half lengthwise.  We are going to roast the flesh of the eggplant and want the heat to penetrate all the way through, so score the eggplant pulp in a crosshatch pattern, being careful to not cut through the skin.  This is also going to make it easier to remove the flesh after it has been roasted.  Brush each eggplant half with 1 tablespoon EVOO in a 9"x 13" casserole baking dish.   Bake the eggplant in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.

While the eggplant is roasting in the oven, let's start on the rest of our filling.  In a heavy skillet, begin browning the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks over medium high heat. When the sausage is about halfway cooked, add the chopped onions.  When the onions are soft and mostly translucent, season the meat with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano and 1 Tbsp minced garlic.  Adjust seasoning as needed.   Remove from heat when done.

Allow roasted eggplants to cool briefly to make them easier to handle.  Remove the pulp from the eggplants using a serrated tomato corer or a melon baller, leaving about a 1/2-inch shell intact.  Set the shells aside.  Coarsely chop the pulp and set aside in a medium bowl.  To the eggplant pulp, add chopped tomato.  Add in 1 cup of the cooked Italian sausage mixture.  You may choose to use more if you'd like, but that's how much I chose.  I set the rest aside for another application.  Add in 1/2 tsp kosher salt,  3/4 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/2 cup fresh basil that you have cut into thin ribbons, 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano reggiano,  and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.  You might like to bump this up to 1/2 tsp if you would like a little more heat.  Mix in the two large eggs to the mixture and stir well to incorporate all ingredients.  

Spread 1/2 cup of the jarred pasta sauce over the bottom of the casserole dish.  Arrange the eggplant shells over the sauce.  Fill the shells equally with the cooked eggplant pulp/Italian sausage mixture. Top with remaining 1 cup of pasta sauce, spreading evenly to cover filling.  Sprinkle the tops of each eggplant using the 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs.  Tear the fresh mozzarella into pieces and top the eggplant halves.   Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano reggiano.  Bake eggplants in preheated oven until the cheeses are melted and just slightly browned, about 40 minutes. Garnish with small basil leaves to serve.