Introduction
Zucchini tots are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional potato tots. Packed with flavors from fresh ingredients and herbs, they make for a perfect snack or side dish. With the added zing of minted yogurt, these tots can elevate any meal or be enjoyed on their own.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
ZUCCHINI
1 lb / 500 g zucchinis (courgettes)
1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
BATTER
1/2 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour), can substitute with gluten-free flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Note 1), can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs
2 eggs
3/4 cup green onion, finely sliced (white and pale green parts only)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated (store-bought sandy type is recommended), can also use shredded cheddar or tasty cheese
1 tbsp dried oregano (or 2 tsp of other dried herbs)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
150 g / 5 oz Greek feta cheese, crumbled
COOKING AND SERVING
Olive oil spray
Lemon wedges and oregano leaves, optional garnishes
MINTED YOGHURT (OPTIONAL)
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, or any plain unsweetened yogurt
1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
1/2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more)
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
1 hour
Yield
About 29 zucchini tots
To prepare the zucchini, grate with a standard box grater, then sweat in a colander with salt for 30 minutes. Squeeze out excess water. Mix the batter ingredients (except feta) and combine with the zucchini. Form into cylinder shapes on lined trays and bake at 200°C (390°F) for 30 minutes, spraying with olive oil for a crunchy crust. Serve with minted yogurt, lemon wedges, and fresh oregano if desired. For the minted yogurt, mix the ingredients and let sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C/390°F (or 180°C if using a fan-forced oven).
Prepare Zucchini
Grate 1 lb (500 g) of zucchini using a standard box grater. Place the grated zucchini into a large colander, sprinkle it with 1/4 teaspoon of cooking salt or kosher salt, toss it with your fingers, and let it sweat for 30 minutes.
Squeeze Out Excess Liquid
After 30 minutes, take the zucchini in small handfuls and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Place the squeezed zucchini into a mixing bowl.
Mix Tots Batter
In the bowl with the zucchini, add the following batter ingredients: 1/2 cup of plain flour, 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 2 eggs, 3/4 cup of finely sliced green onion, 1/2 cup of finely grated parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 2 minced garlic cloves, and another 1/4 teaspoon of cooking salt. Mix well to combine. Gently fold in 150 g (5 oz) of crumbled Greek feta cheese.
Shape Tots
Using a spoon, dollop heaped tablespoons of the mixture onto 2 baking trays lined with baking paper or parchment paper. You should be able to form around 29 tots in total. Shape each dollop into a cylinder, resembling tater tots.
Bake Tots
Generously spray the tots with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, swapping the trays around at about 20 minutes in for even cooking. If you desire extra crispiness, spray the tots again with oil. The bottom tray may need a few additional minutes to reach a golden brown color and achieve a crunchy crust.
Serve Tots
Serve the baked zucchini tots with optional garnishes such as lemon wedges and fresh oregano leaves.
Minted Yogurt (Optional)
To make the minted yogurt, mix together 3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint, 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Set aside for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free options as well.
Feta Cheese
If Greek feta cheese is not available, you can use another type of cheese such as shredded cheddar or tasty cheese.
Additional Herbs
If you prefer, you can replace dried oregano with any other dried herbs of your choice, using 2 teaspoons instead of 1 tablespoon.
Serving Suggestions
The zucchini tots pair well with minted yogurt, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Sweating Zucchini
Grate the zucchini and place it in a colander. Sprinkle with salt and let it sweat for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Squeezing Out Liquid
After sweating, take a handful of zucchini and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the mixing bowl.
Mixing Batter
Combine all batter ingredients (except for the feta cheese) in a bowl and mix until well combined. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
Forming Tots
Using a heaped tablespoon, dollop the mixture onto baking trays lined with parchment paper. Shape them into cylinder forms resembling tater tots.
Baking
Spray the formed tots with olive oil and bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and crunchy, approximately 30 minutes, swapping trays halfway through.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute feta cheese with shredded cheddar or any other tasty cheese you prefer.
Is it necessary to sweat the zucchini?
Sweating the zucchini is essential as it helps remove excess moisture, preventing soggy tots.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute plain flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
What can I serve with the zucchini tots?
The tots can be served with minted yogurt, lemon wedges, and fresh oregano leaves for garnish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover zucchini tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
These baked zucchini tots are a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of zucchini, complemented by the richness of feta and a crispy texture from the panko breadcrumbs. Perfect as a snack or a side dish, they can be paired with a refreshing minted yogurt sauce to elevate the dish further. The combination of herbs and cheese adds depth, making this recipe a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Sweet Potato Tots
Replace zucchini with grated sweet potato for a naturally sweet version. Add a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Cauliflower Bites
Substitute zucchini with riced cauliflower for a low-carb alternative, adding a bit of cheddar cheese for flavor.
Brussels Sprout Fritters
Use finely chopped Brussels sprouts in place of zucchini, mixing with the same batter ingredients for a hearty variation.
Spinach and Feta Patties
Incorporate chopped spinach with feta for a Mediterranean flair, enhancing the nutritional profile and flavor.
Herb-Infused Yogurt
Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley in the yogurt sauce for varied accents that complement the dish.
Cheesy Polenta Bites
Create a base using polenta instead of zucchini, adding your choice of cheese and herbs for a comforting, cheesy side.
Beetroot Fritters
Replace zucchini with grated beetroot for vibrant color and earthy flavor, pairing brilliantly with the minted yogurt.
Carrot and Onion Patties
Use grated carrots combined with finely chopped onions for a sweet oniony flavor, enhancing the texture and taste of the tots.
