Bosnian Zucchini Fritters
Tikvice Pohovane
Crispy and savory zucchini fritters, a popular Balkan dish often served as a side or appetizer. Grated zucchini is mixed with eggs, flour, and seasonings, then pan-fried until golden brown.

๐ง Ingredients
- 3 medium Zucchini(about 700g, grated)
- 2 large Eggs
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour(about 70g)
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper(or to taste)
- 4-6 tablespoons Vegetable oil(for frying)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Wash the zucchini, trim the ends, and grate them using the shredding side of a box grater. Place the grated zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
๐ก Pro Tips: Squeezing the zucchini after salting is crucial for crispy fritters. - 2
Squeeze the grated zucchini thoroughly with your hands to remove as much liquid as possible. You can also place it between paper towels and squeeze. Discard the liquid.
๐ก Pro Tips: This step is critical to prevent soggy fritters. - 3
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the squeezed zucchini, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. The batter should be thick.
- 4
Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
๐ก Pro Tips: Test the oil by dropping a tiny bit of batter; it should sizzle immediately. - 5
Carefully drop spoonfuls of the zucchini batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- 6
Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully with a spatula.
- 7
Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โEnsure the zucchini is well-drained to achieve a crispy texture.
- โDo not overcrowd the pan when frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters.
- โThese fritters are best served immediately but can be reheated briefly in an oven or air fryer.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add finely chopped garlic or fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the batter for extra flavor.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt.