If you are out of frozen vegan meals and you're looking for a quick and delicious meal that packs in plenty of flavour, then look no further than courgette fritters. Not only are they easy to make, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from rich stews to simple sides like smashed avocado and grilled tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for both casual dinners and more elaborate brunches, and it's completely vegan-friendly! So, whether you're preparing a hearty meal or a light snack, these courgette fritters are sure to satisfy.

Why You Should Try Courgette Fritters

Courgettes, or zucchinis as they're known in some places, are a fantastic vegetable to work with in the kitchen. They have a mild flavour and a great texture that can be transformed into a variety of dishes. These fritters are an ideal way to showcase courgettes, as they’re tender, crispy on the outside, and packed with delicious ingredients.

What's more, courgettes are full of nutrients. They're low in calories but high in vitamins A and C, making them a healthy choice. They also contain antioxidants and dietary fibre, which can aid in digestion and overall well-being. Combining courgettes with other ingredients like spring onions, garlic, and nutritional yeast makes for a nutrient-dense and satisfying dish that can easily be enjoyed on its own or as a side.

This particular courgette fritter recipe is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of other dishes, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Whether you want something light for brunch or a savoury side to complement your main course, these fritters fit the bill.

Ingredients for Courgette Fritters

To make your courgette fritters, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500g of raw courgettes, grated (about 2 medium-sized courgettes)
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt
• 125g of plain flour (you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed)
• 15g of nutritional yeast (approximately 2 tablespoons)
• 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 50g of vegan butter (or margarine, if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for frying)

These simple ingredients combine to create a batter that transforms into crispy, golden fritters that are just bursting with flavour.

Method: How to Make Courgette Fritters

1. Prepare the Courgettes

Start by grating the courgettes into a large mixing bowl. The grater will help break down the courgettes, making them easier to mix with the other ingredients. Once the courgettes are grated, sprinkle over the sea salt. This step helps draw out excess water from the courgettes, ensuring that your fritters have the right consistency when fried.

Let the grated courgette sit for about 10 minutes. During this time, the salt will help draw out moisture from the courgette, which you will need to squeeze out before mixing the courgettes with the other ingredients.

2. Remove Excess Water

After 10 minutes, use your clean hands to squeeze the courgettes, removing as much excess water as possible. This step is crucial, as the moisture left in the courgettes can make the batter too runny and prevent the fritters from holding together during cooking. You can either use your hands or place the courgette in a clean cloth and twist it to remove the water.

Once you've squeezed out the water, transfer the courgettes to a new mixing bowl. You can now move on to the next step.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

To the squeezed courgettes, add the plain flour, baking powder, crushed garlic, chopped spring onions, and nutritional yeast. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The flour helps bind everything together, while the baking powder adds a lightness to the fritters, giving them that crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Nutritional yeast is a key ingredient in this recipe as it adds a savoury, cheesy flavour without any dairy. It’s rich in B-vitamins and adds a delicious umami taste to the fritters, making them more flavourful.

4. Add the Vegan Butter

Next, melt the vegan butter (or margarine) and pour it into the courgette mixture. Stir the butter into the batter until fully incorporated. The butter will give the fritters a rich flavour and help them crisp up nicely when cooked.

At this point, you should have a thick, slightly sticky batter that’s ready to be cooked. If the batter feels too wet or runny, you can add a little extra flour to thicken it up. Likewise, if the batter seems too dry, a small splash of water or a bit more melted butter will help.

5. Fry the Fritters

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. While the oven is heating, take a large frying pan and heat the olive oil on a medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, scoop equal spoonfuls (about 2 tablespoons) of the batter and drop them into the pan. Use the back of a spatula to gently flatten each fritter into a round shape.

Let the fritters cook for a few minutes on one side, checking that they’ve turned golden brown before flipping them over. Once both sides are crispy and golden, transfer the cooked fritters to a baking tray and place them in the preheated oven to keep warm while you cook the rest of the batch.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once all the fritters are cooked, serve them immediately. These courgette fritters are perfect on their own, or you can serve them with a variety of accompaniments. For the ultimate brunch, try pairing them with smashed avocado and grilled tomatoes. The creamy avocado complements the crispy fritters beautifully, while the grilled tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and a slight tang.

You can also serve these versatile little fritters as a side to dishes from everything from our Vegan Lasagne to our delicious Vegan Tikka Masala for a complete meal. The fritters are light enough to balance out the rich, bold flavours of these stews while adding a lovely crispy texture to each bite.

Tips for Perfect Courgette Fritters

• Use Fresh Courgettes: For the best flavour and texture, choose courgettes that are fresh and firm. Avoid ones that are too soft or overripe, as they may have too much moisture and won't hold up as well in the fritter mixture.

• Add Herbs and Spices: Feel free to customise these fritters by adding your favourite herbs and spices. Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme would all make excellent additions, or you could experiment with a pinch of cumin, paprika, or turmeric for extra flavour.

• Ensure the Oil Is Hot: Before adding the fritters to the frying pan, make sure the oil is hot enough. If the oil is too cold, the fritters will absorb too much oil and become soggy. A good way to test if the oil is hot enough is to drop in a small piece of batter—if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

• Serve with Dips: These fritters are delicious with a variety of dips. Try pairing them with a tangy vegan yoghurt sauce, a spicy chutney, or even a simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra zing.

• Make Ahead: If you’re preparing these fritters ahead of time, you can cook them and store them in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes, or until they’re crispy again.

Final Thoughts

Courgette fritters are a simple, flavourful, and versatile dish that’s sure to become a favourite in your kitchen. Whether you're looking for a quick brunch, a satisfying side dish, or a tasty addition to a larger meal, these fritters are the perfect choice. They’re easy to make, packed with nutrients, and full of delicious flavours that will have everyone coming back for more.

So, next time you find yourself with a couple of courgettes in the fridge, give this recipe a try. With minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with all the right flavours. Enjoy!