Melanie McDonald, the creator of the blog A Virtual Vegan has come out with a new cookbook, Vegan Comfort Cooking. Filled with 75 recipes, each with accompanied by a gorgeous photograph of the completed dish, Vegan Comfort Cooking brings all of your favorite rich and hearty comfort foods to you plate. Whether you are looking for a decadent brunch, munchies to eat while binging your favorite TV show, any anything in between, Vegan Comfort Cooking is here to help.

Check out this recipe for Quick and Crispy Zucchini Fritters with Avocado Crema

These fritters are super simple and easy to make. They’re crispy on the outside and moist but not soggy on the inside. They make great party food, appetizers or snacks and are also perfect for a more substantial dinner with salad, or in a bun in place of a burger. No matter how you stack them, though, one thing is certain: When it comes to crispy fritters straight from the pan, just one is not enough!

yield: 8 fritters

fritters
3 medium zucchini
1 medium onion
1½ tsp (8 g) salt
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 tbsp (14 g) ground flaxseeds
Zest of 1 small lemon (reserve the rest of the lemon for the crema)
1½ cups (138 g) garbanzo bean flour
1½ tsp (6 g) baking powder
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Olive or vegetable oil, for pan

avocado crema
1 medium avocado
3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic
1 tsp sriracha or other hot sauce
2 tsp (10 ml) white wine vinegar
5 tbsp (75 ml) water
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil (optional)
Salt

To prepare the fritters, grate the zucchini and onion. If you have a food processor, use the grating attachment to do this, which makes it really quick and easy. Transfer to a bowl, sprinkle with the salt, stir really well and leave for at least 30 minutes; longer is okay.

Transfer the mixture to a large sieve or colander and use clean hands to press out the water; alternatively, wrap in a clean dish towel and wring out the water. It is important to get as much water out as possible.

Return the mixture to the bowl. Add the cumin, oregano, thyme, garlic, flaxseeds, lemon zest, garbanzo flour, baking powder and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir together really well so everything is distributed well and you cannot see any dry flour. It will be a very stiff batter. Leave it to rest for 10 minutes. During this time, it will loosen up a little.

Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium heat. Grease with a little oil if it’s not nonstick. Once it’s hot, give the batter a quick stir, and then add it to the pan, using around 1/3 cup (80 ml) per fritter and leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) around each one. Use a spoon to flatten the fritters to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick and allow to cook for about 7 minutes each side, or until golden brown. Serve them immediately or keep warm in the oven on its lowest setting while you finish cooking the rest.

You can also bake the fritters in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and drop the mixture onto it in roughly 1/3-cup (80-ml) amounts; then flatten them to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, flip them and then bake for an additional 10 minutes.

To prepare the avocado crema, cut the avocado in half. Remove the pit and scoop out the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add all the other crema ingredients except the salt and blend until completely smooth. Season with salt to taste. You can adjust the thickness by adding a little more or less water. The olive oil is an optional addition. It makes the crema glossier, but you can easily omit it and add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) of extra water instead.

Serve the hot fritters with a generous dollop of avocado crema.

Leftover fritters keep well for up to 5 days in the fridge. They also freeze really well. They can be reheated in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven. They are also surprisingly good cold! The crema will keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

tip: Enjoy leftover crema as a dip with chips, with tacos, burritos, veggie burgers and sandwiches or thin it out with a little more water or a drop of white wine vinegar to make a great salad dressing!

(Reprinted with permission from Vegan Comfort Cooking by Melanie McDonald, Page Street Publishing Co. 2019. Photo credit: Melanie McDonald.)