These delightful zucchini pancakes are a wonderful way to enjoy a hearty breakfast or brunch while packing in the veggies. They are light, fluffy, and full of flavor, with a combination of zucchini, shallots, chives, parsley, and parmesan cheese. Adding whole wheat flour gives them a nice texture and a healthful boost.
All ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in your local supermarket. However, the recipe calls for whole wheat flour, which might not be a staple in every pantry but can usually be found in the baking aisle. There is also a need for fresh herbs like chives and parsley. You can find these in the produce section. Remember to choose medium-sized zucchinis for the best results.
Ingredients for Tasty Zucchini Pancakes
Zucchini: A versatile vegetable that adds moisture and texture to the pancakes.
Shallots: They offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste than onions.
Fresh chives: These add a delicate onion-like flavor.
Parsley: A fresh herb that enhances the overall flavor of the pancakes.
Garlic Clove: Adds a robust flavor.
Eggs: Act as a binder for the pancakes.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, umami flavor.
Whole wheat flour: Provides structure and a hearty flavor to the pancakes.
Kosher salt and fresh pepper: Seasoning to enhance the flavors of the ingredients.
Olive oil spray: Used for cooking the pancakes and preventing them from sticking to the pan.
One reader, Isaac Clarke says:
These zucchini pancakes are a game-changer! The savory flavors of the zucchini and herbs combined with the crispy texture make for a delightful breakfast or brunch option. They are easy to make and taste absolutely delicious. I highly recommend trying out this recipe!
Essential Techniques for Making Zucchini Pancakes
Grating the zucchini: Use the large holes of a cheese grater to grate the zucchini. This will create the perfect texture for the pancakes.
Cooking the pancakes: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray with oil. Drop tablespoons of the batter into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining batter, spraying more oil in the skillet as needed.
Serving the pancakes: Serve the zucchini pancakes warm and enjoy their delicious flavor and texture.
How To Make Zucchini Pancakes
Start your day right with a unique plate of zucchini pancakes! They’re deliciously moist and flavorful, making them the perfect breakfast meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2medium zucchini,grated
- 2shallots,finely chopped
- ¼cupfresh chives
- ¼cupparsley,chopped
- 1garlic clove,minced
- 2eggs
- ¼cupParmesan cheese,grated
- 8tbspwhole wheat flour
- kosher salt and fresh pepper,to taste
- olive oil spray
Instructions
-
Grate the zucchini using the large holes of a cheese grater, then place them in a large bowl.
-
Add the flour, shallots, garlic, parsley, chives, eggs, cheese, salt and pepper.
-
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then spray the oil to cover the pan.
-
Drop tablespoons of the batter into the skillet.
-
Cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside and keep warm.
-
Spray more oil in the skillet as needed, and continue with remaining batter.
-
Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 200.66kcal
- Fat: 9.74g
- Saturated Fat: 2.99g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.23g
- Carbohydrates: 20.23g
- Fiber: 3.89g
- Sugar: 5.09g
- Protein: 10.24g
- Cholesterol: 86.30mg
- Sodium: 432.32mg
- Calcium: 165.76mg
- Potassium: 487.32mg
- Iron: 2.08mg
- Vitamin A: 85.92µg
- Vitamin C: 26.87mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Zucchini Pancakes
To ensure your zucchini pancakes are not soggy, it's important to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can do this by placing the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and wringing it out. This will give your pancakes a firmer texture and allow them to cook evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Zucchini Pancakes
Prep ahead: Chop and grate the zucchini, shallots, and herbs ahead of time to save time when you're ready to cook.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to quickly grate the zucchini and shallots, making the prep work faster and more efficient.
Double the batch: Make a larger batch of the zucchini pancake batter and store the extra in the fridge for a quick and easy meal later in the week.
Organize your ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your ingredients are organized and ready to go to streamline the cooking process.
Non-stick skillet: Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the zucchini pancakes from sticking and to make the cooking process quicker and easier.
Multi-task: While the zucchini pancakes are cooking, use that time to prepare a simple side salad or other accompaniments to complete the meal.
Substitute Ingredients For Zucchini Pancakes Recipe
zucchini - Substitute with summer squash: Summer squash has a similar texture and flavor to zucchini, making it a suitable replacement in the recipe.
shallots - Substitute with onion: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots, providing a similar flavor profile to the dish.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can be used as a substitute for chives, offering a mild onion flavor and a similar appearance.
parsley - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro can be used as a substitute for parsley, providing a fresh and vibrant flavor to the dish.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute for eggs in the recipe, providing binding properties.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast can be used as a vegan substitute for parmesan cheese, offering a cheesy and nutty flavor.
whole wheat flour - Substitute with all-purpose flour: All-purpose flour can be used as a substitute for whole wheat flour, providing a lighter texture to the pancakes.
Best Ways to Serve Zucchini Pancakes
Elevate the zucchini pancakes: Start by stacking the zucchini pancakes in a neat tower, drizzling a delicate swirl of balsamic reduction around the base of the stack. This will add a touch of elegance and depth of flavor to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a generous handful of freshly picked microgreens over the zucchini pancakes. This will not only add a pop of color but also a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor that will impress the most discerning palates.
Artful placement of zucchini pancakes: Arrange the zucchini pancakes in a circular formation on the plate, slightly overlapping each other. This will create a visually appealing presentation that showcases the texture and golden-brown color of the pancakes.
Drizzle with a lemon-infused oil: Using a steady hand, drizzle a light, fragrant lemon-infused olive oil over the zucchini pancakes. The citrusy aroma will enhance the overall sensory experience and add a subtle brightness to the dish.
Accompany with a colorful side salad: Serve the zucchini pancakes alongside a vibrant heirloom tomato and arugula salad. The contrasting colors and flavors will complement the pancakes and add a refreshing element to the plate.
Use a fine dining plate: Select a pristine, porcelain plate to present the zucchini pancakes. The clean, white backdrop will allow the vibrant colors of the dish to shine and exude sophistication.
Finish with a sprinkle of edible flowers: delicately place a few edible flowers on top of the zucchini pancakes. This final touch will add a touch of whimsy and a subtle floral note, elevating the overall presentation.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Zucchini Pancakes
- Grater: A grater is used to shred or grate the zucchini into fine pieces for the pancake batter.
- Skillet: A skillet is used to cook the zucchini pancakes over medium heat until they are golden brown on both sides.
- Cheese grater: This is used to grate the parmesan cheese for the pancake batter.
- Large bowl: A large bowl is used to mix the grated zucchini, flour, shallots, garlic, herbs, eggs, cheese, salt, and pepper for the pancake batter.
- Spatula: A spatula is used to flip the zucchini pancakes while cooking to ensure they are evenly browned on both sides.
- Olive oil spray: Olive oil spray is used to coat the skillet before cooking the zucchini pancakes to prevent sticking and add flavor.
Storing and Freezing Zucchini Pancakes: A Guide
- Let the zucchini pancakes cool completely before storing or freezing.
- To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled pancakes in an airtight container lined with paper towels. They will keep for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the pancakes:
- Arrange the cooled pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the pancakes are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen pancakes to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating each pancake with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
- Frozen zucchini pancakes will keep for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat refrigerated pancakes, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
- For frozen pancakes, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 30-60 seconds, or until warm.
- Reheated zucchini pancakes may not be as crispy as freshly made ones, but they will still taste delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Zucchini Pancakes
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover zucchini pancakes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method helps to restore the texture and crispiness of the pancakes.
For a quicker option, use a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the zucchini pancakes directly on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
If you prefer a softer texture, microwave the zucchini pancakes. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-45 seconds, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the pancakes to become rubbery.
For a crispy exterior and a soft interior, reheat the zucchini pancakes in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the pancakes and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until heated through and crispy.
To add extra flavor and moisture, top the reheated zucchini pancakes with a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or applesauce. This will help to balance out any dryness that may have occurred during storage.
Interesting Fact About Zucchini Pancakes
Zucchini pancakes are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pancakes. They are a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet, and they can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Zucchini is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and it adds a nice texture to the pancakes. Plus, they are easy to make and can be customized with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. So, next time you're looking for a new recipe to try, consider making zucchini pancakes for a nutritious and tasty meal!
Is Making Zucchini Pancakes at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this zucchini pancakes recipe is quite favorable. Zucchini and shallots are affordable, and the use of basic pantry staples keeps the cost low. The recipe's versatility allows for variations based on available ingredients, making it adaptable to different budgets. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $10. As a culinary chef, I rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability, nutritional value, and delicious outcome.
Are Zucchini Pancakes Healthy or Unhealthy?
The zucchini pancakes recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering several nutritional benefits:
- Zucchini is low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins (A and C), and minerals (potassium and manganese), which support digestion, heart health, and immune function.
- Whole wheat flour provides additional fiber and nutrients compared to refined flour.
- Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Parmesan cheese adds flavor and a small amount of protein and calcium.
- The recipe uses olive oil spray, which is a healthier cooking method compared to deep-frying or using excessive oil.
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved to make the recipe even healthier:
- Increase the proportion of zucchini to flour to boost the vegetable content and reduce the overall carbohydrate and calorie count.
- Use a low-fat cheese alternative, such as part-skim mozzarella or feta, to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Experiment with alternative flours, such as almond flour or chickpea flour, for a gluten-free option or to increase the protein and fiber content.
- Add more herbs and spices, like basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor without relying on salt.
- Serve the pancakes with a side salad or a yogurt-based dip to increase the nutrient density of the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Zucchini Pancake Recipe
This zucchini pancake recipe is a delightful way to incorporate fresh vegetables into a delicious dish. The combination of zucchini, shallots, and herbs creates a flavorful and savory pancake. The addition of parmesan cheese adds a rich and nutty flavor, while the whole wheat flour provides a wholesome touch. The cooking instructions are straightforward, resulting in golden brown pancakes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful and nutritious twist on traditional pancakes, making it a versatile and enjoyable dish for any meal.
Why trust this Zucchini Pancakes Recipe:
This zucchini pancake recipe is a delightful way to incorporate zucchini into your meals. With the addition of fresh chives and parsley, it offers a burst of fresh flavors. The use of whole wheat flour adds a wholesome touch, while parmesan cheese lends a savory richness. The combination of shallots and garlic enhances the overall taste, and the olive oil spray ensures a perfect golden crust. Trust in this recipe for a delightful and flavorful experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
