Zucchini Pancakes with Cheese

These delightful zucchini pancakes with cheese are a perfect blend of savory flavors and comforting textures. They make for an excellent breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner option. The combination of zucchini and cheese creates a moist and flavorful pancake that the whole family will enjoy. What makes this dish even more appealing is its simplicity, requiring only a few basic ingredients found in most kitchens. The pancakes are pan-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender interior, with the cheese adding a delicious richness. Serve them with sour cream or yogurt for an extra touch of creaminess. These pancakes are versatile and can be adapted easily to suit various taste preferences. They are also a great way to introduce more vegetables into your meals. Perfect for serving at casual get-togethers or as a quick weekday meal, these zucchini pancakes with cheese are sure to become a favorite. They pair beautifully with a fresh salad, making them an ideal dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 zucchini (400 - 500g), grated
  • 100g cheese (preferably hard), grated
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbsp flour (+/- 1-2 tbsp)
  • Salt, to taste
  • A pinch of pepper

For Cooking

  • Oil

Preparation Time

45 minutes (including preparation and cooking time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

  1. Start by grating the zucchini using a coarse grater. Sprinkle a bit of salt over it and mix well; let it sit aside. The salt will help draw out excess moisture from the zucchini.

  2. Grate the cheese using a fine grater and set it aside. You'll want this to be ready to mix into your batter.

  3. In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs with a fork. Gradually add in the flour while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.

  4. Add a pinch of pepper to this mixture and gently fold in the grated cheese, stirring everything into a smooth, not too watery batter.

  5. With your hands, take a handful of the grated zucchini and squeeze it in your palm to remove excess liquid. Add the squeezed zucchini into the egg, flour, and cheese mixture.

  6. Repeat the process with the remaining zucchini until all of it is incorporated into the batter. Mix everything quickly to combine into a uniform mixture.

  7. In a heated frying pan, pour some oil to cover the bottom. Use a spoon to scoop portions of the batter into the pan, forming small pancakes.

  8. Fry the pancakes on each side until they are golden and crispy. This should take about a couple of minutes per side.

  9. Once cooked, place the pancakes on a plate and cover them to keep warm while you finish frying the rest.

  10. For serving, consider making smaller pancakes in a large pan, or one larger pancake in a smaller pan. These pancakes can also be made using a waffle iron for an exciting twist.

  11. Serve the zucchini pancakes warm. They taste delightful with a dollop of sour cream or a side of fresh, tangy salad.

Labu apetīti! Enjoy your meal!

Tips

  • Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the cheese for a different type, like mozzarella or feta, for varied flavors.
  • Baking Option: Alternatively, you can bake these in the oven at 180°C (356°F) until golden for a healthier version.
  • Add-ins: Consider adding herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.

Nutritions

  • Calories: Approximately 220 per serving
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fats: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g

Variations

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour alternatives like almond flour or chickpea flour.
  • Keto-Friendly: Replace flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carbohydrates.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the pancakes with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce for an enhanced flavor profile.
  • Pair with a fresh tomato and basil salad to add a burst of freshness.

Best Places

  • The Pancake Bakery - Specializes in unique and classic pancakes with a global twist. Location: Prinsengracht 191, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • Café 21 - Known for artisanal breakfast options and a cozy atmosphere. Location: 1244 India St, San Diego, USA.
  • Flapjack's Pancake House - Offers a wide variety of sweet and savory pancake dishes. Location: 146 S Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach, USA.
  • Zoki's Kitchen - Features creative pancake recipes with fresh ingredients. Location: Vukovarska ul. 17, Zagreb, Croatia.
  • Pancakes Amsterdam - A popular spot for traditional and modern pancakes. Location: Berenstraat 38, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • Breakfast Club - Known for its farm-to-table approach and flavorful pancake dishes. Location: 33 D'Arblay St, Soho, London, UK.
  • Next Door by ar Teti - Offers a delightful mix of homemade breakfast dishes in a quaint setting. Location: 3612, Rue Ontario E, Montreal, Canada.
  • Liberty's Pancake House - Offers an extensive menu catering to varied diets. Location: 116 Liberty St, Manchester, UK.
  • The Original Pancake House - A chain known for its premium ingredients and traditional recipes. Location: Various locations, USA.
  • La Fabrique La Buvette - Combines breakfast classics with a modern twist, offering delightful pancake creations. Location: 3609 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Canada.