Hey there, cake enthusiasts! Today, I have a unique and delicious treat to share with you - Crispy Zucchini-Feta Cakes with Harissa Tzatziki. These savory cakes are packed with flavor, combining the freshness of zucchini, the tanginess of feta cheese, and the kick of harissa tzatziki sauce. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delectable appetizer or snack that's perfect for any occasion.
Before we get started, I stumbled upon an amazing TikTok video that inspired this recipe. Now, let's gather our ingredients and embark on this flavor-packed culinary journey.
Here's what you'll need:
For the Zucchini-Feta Cakes:
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis, grated
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
For the Harissa Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let's jump right into the step-by-step process:
Step 1: Grating and Draining the Zucchini
Grate the zucchinis using a box grater or a food processor. Sprinkle the grated zucchini with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes to release excess moisture. Then, squeeze out the liquid from the zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This step ensures that our cakes don't become too soggy.
Step 2: Mixing the Zucchini-Feta Cake Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated and drained zucchini, green onions, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped dill, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, flour, and eggs. Mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should be moist enough to hold its shape when formed into patties.
Step 3: Shaping and Cooking the Cakes
Form the zucchini mixture into patties, approximately 2-3 inches in diameter. Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the zucchini-feta cakes for about 3-4 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Step 4: Preparing the Harissa Tzatziki Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, harissa paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped mint, salt, and pepper. Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your desired level of spiciness. Stir everything together until well combined. The harissa tzatziki sauce will add a tangy and spicy kick to complement the zucchini-feta cakes.
Step 5: Serving and Enjoying
Serve the crispy zucchini-feta cakes with a dollop of harissa tzatziki sauce on top. You can garnish with additional fresh herbs for a burst of color and flavor. These cakes make a fantastic appetizer or light meal option, and they're perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Get ready to delight in the crispy texture, the savory combination of zucchini and feta, and the tantalizing heat of the harissa tzatziki sauce. Your taste buds will be in for a treat!
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy the process of creating these Crispy Zucchini-Feta Cakes with Harissa Tzatziki. They're sure to become a crowd-pleasing favorite at your next gathering or a delightful snack for any day of the week.
Happy cooking and happy indulging, my friends!