I just love courgettes and they are now in season. This versatile veg doesn’t pack a punch in the flavour department, but pairs well with strong flavours such as basil, garlic, parmesan cheese, extra virgin olive oil. It has a very high water content so when preparing it’s best to sprinkle with a little salt and leave for 10-15mins to drain off some of the moisture. Courgettes are a great source of vitamin C, potassium ( needed for regulating fluid levels ,nerve and muscle function) manganese (a powerful antioxidant needed for bone health, formation of sex hormones and connective tissues)
Courgette, spinach and mint fritters
2 medium sized courgettes grated (or blitz in a food processor)
3 handfuls of baby spinach chopped
1/2 cup of cheese of your choice (feta (crumbled), parmesan/ hard goats cheese (grated)
1/4 cup of fresh herbs (choose either mint, basil, dill, parsley) whichever your prefer
2 large eggs
2 spring onions finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic crushed
1/3 cup of plain flour (I used wholemeal spelt flour – you can use chickpea flour if gluten free)
1/2 tsp of baking powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp of olive oil to fry
Method
1. Place the grated courgette in a sieve over a bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt this helps to draw out the liquid. Set aside for 10-15 minutes. Then, squeeze the all of the liquid out of the grated courgette using your hands and set aside. I use a fine tea towel or muslin to do this.
2.Mix the courgette, spinach, cheese of choice, herbs, eggs, spring onions, and garlic in a large bowl. Next add in the flour and baking powder gradually until it is all mixed in well.
3.Heat about 1/4 cup olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Then drop 3 tablespoons worth of batter for each fritter into the frying pan. After about 30 seconds, flatten them out after about 30 seconds by pressing them down gently with a spatula. Fry for about 3 minutes, and then flip over and fry for an additional 3 minutes, or until golden brown.
4. Serve with a salad, rice, or couscous and some greek yoghurt, tzatziki or humus.