Fritters Elevate Common Veggies

We know we need to eat our veggies, whether we’re only feeding ourselves or feeding others too. However, it can be easy to get into a rut, especially during the winter months, when we’re no longer blessed with a vast variety of local produce that is delicious as is or with minimal preparation. 

Heartier veggies may take a bit more creativity, but can be just as delicious as juicy summer berries or peak-of-summer tomatoes. Broccoli and carrots are available throughout the year at any grocery store and many farmers’ markets. These inexpensive staples may already make an appearance on your plate but when was the last time you prepared them differently than you usually do? 

The recipe below, adapted from Cooking Light and listed as “super fast, family-friendly food,” is one that has become a staple in your editor’s kitchen throughout the year. Nearly every time it’s made, the comment of “these are better than they should be” comes up at our table. Here the sum is definitely greater than its parts and takes veggies from a supporting role to a main player on the plate. Give it a try!

Crispy Broccoli-Carrot Fritters

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup chopped carrots

2 green onions, chopped

1.5 ounces (about 1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cayenne (optional)

1 egg

2 Tbsp oil

Place broccoli and carrots in a microwave-safe, covered container. Cook for 3 minutes. Carefully drain off any moisture and transfer broccoli and carrots to a cutting board. Finely chop them together (the less chunky the mixture, the better the fritters will hold together).

Place mixture in a bowl with cheese and green onions. Stir to combine, then sprinkle in flour, salt and cayenne (if using). Fully incorporate the dry ingredients before adding the egg. At first the mixture may seem too dry to combine but with a bit more stirring, it will become paste-like.

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Divide mixture into 8 portions (about 1/4 cup each) and form into balls (slightly wet hands are helpful). Place the balls into the pan; flatten slightly. Cook fritters 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.

Enjoy alone or with a condiment of your choice (we are partial to Dijon mustard or sriracha). 

Fritters Elevate Common Veggies

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