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.
🧂 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)
👨🍳 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.
💡 Tip: 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.
💡 Tip: 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.
💡 Tip: 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.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the zucchini is well-drained to achieve a crispy texture.
- ✓Do not overcrowd the pan when frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters.
- ✓These fritters are best served immediately but can be reheated briefly in an oven or air fryer.
🔄 Variations
- 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.