Here’s a recipe for Quick Zucchinipuffer with Feta, Garlic, and Speedy Tzatziki:
Yields: About 8 small pancakes Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5-7 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Zucchinipuffer:
- 1 medium zucchini (about 200g), grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 50g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or other cooking oil
For the Speedy Tzatziki:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup cucumber, grated (no need to drain for this quick version, but it will be a bit runnier)
- 1/2 small clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Grate the Zucchini: Wash the zucchini and grate it coarsely. Place the grated zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Let it sit for a minute or two while you prepare the other ingredients. This will help draw out some of the excess moisture.
- Make the Speedy Tzatziki: While the zucchini sits, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill (or mint) in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- Prepare the Zucchini Mixture: Gently squeeze the grated zucchini with your hands to remove some of the excess liquid. Transfer the squeezed zucchini to another bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and lightly beaten egg to the zucchini. Stir well to combine.
- Add Flour and Season: Add the flour to the zucchini mixture and stir until just combined. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Taste and add a tiny bit more salt if needed (remember the feta is already salty).
- Cook the Zucchinipuffer: Heat the olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of the zucchini mixture into the pan, forming small pancakes.
- Cook Until Golden: Cook the zucchinipuffer for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the hot zucchinipuffer with a dollop of the speedy tzatziki on top.
Tips for Speed:
- Use a box grater for quick zucchini shredding.
- Don’t worry about squeezing all the moisture out of the zucchini for this quick version; the pancakes will still be tasty, just slightly softer.
- Mince the garlic very finely or use garlic powder for speed.
- Fresh dill adds a lovely authentic flavor to the tzatziki, but mint can also be a refreshing and quick alternative.