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In the quest for healthy, satisfying meals that aid weight loss without compromising on taste, simple recipes like zucchini rice patties stand out. These golden, flavorful patties are a versatile dish that brings together the nutritional benefits of zucchini, rice, and eggs while being easy to prepare. Inspired by my mother’s journey toward a healthier lifestyle, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with a simple cooking process. Here’s how to create these delicious and nutritious patties at home.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
Zucchini: 2 medium-sized, grated
Grains:
Rice: 100g (about ½ cup)
Water: 200ml (to cook the rice)
Protein and Binders:
Eggs: 2 large
Plain Flour: 1 tablespoon
Flavor Enhancers:
Garlic: 2 cloves, grated or pressed
Parsley: Chopped, to taste
Salt: To taste
Pepper: To taste
Spices: Your choice, such as paprika, cumin, or dried oregano
Cooking Essentials:
Olive Oil: As needed for frying
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Combine Ingredients: Add 100g of rice and 200ml of water to a pot.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rice cook until soft and fluffy. This should take about 15–20 minutes. Set the cooked rice aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Mixture
Grate the Zucchini: Use a coarse grater to shred the zucchini into a bowl.
Remove Excess Moisture: Sprinkle a little salt over the grated zucchini and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out the water. Squeeze out the excess liquid using a clean kitchen towel or your hands. This step prevents the patties from becoming soggy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, cooked rice, 2 eggs, and 1 tablespoon of plain flour. Mix until well incorporated.
Add Seasonings: Stir in grated garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. The mixture should have a dough-like consistency that holds together when shaped.
Step 4: Shape and Cook the Patties
Heat the Oil: Add a small amount of olive oil to a non-stick frying pan and heat it over medium heat.
Shape the Patties: Scoop small portions of the mixture and shape them into patties. Flatten them slightly to ensure even cooking.
Fry the Patties: Place the patties in the hot pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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