Calabrian Zucchini Fritters | Crispy Italian Recipe
These Calabrian zucchini fritters are a rustic Southern Italian recipe made with thinly sliced zucchini, sweet onions, and a light flour-and-water batter that's fried until perfectly golden and crispy. Similar to Tuscan scarpaccia, these fritters are thin, delicate, and packed with fresh zucchini flavor, making them the perfect appetizer, side dish, or summer snack.
Ingredients
- 3 cups zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 cup onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cold water (add a little more if needed)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano (optional but traditional in many homes)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the zucchini and onion very thinly, use a mandolin or use a sharp knife
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and cheese (if using).
- Gradually whisk in the cold water until you have a smooth batter that's similar to pancake batter—not too thick, not too runny.
- Fold in the zucchini and onions until everything is evenly coated.
- Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F/175°C).
- Drop spoonful's of the mixture into the hot oil and gently flatten them.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown and crispy.