Ijjeh (Zucchini Fritters)

Serves 4
Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 15 min

Ijjeh are Arabic style fritters, often pan-fried until crispy and rolled into sandwiches for the perfect light lunch or dinner. These fritters are packed with aromatic herbs and zucchini for added flavour and nutrition. Serve them as is and dip them in labneh, or roll them into sandwiches with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients

  • 3 large zucchinis
  • 8 eggs
  • 1 cup (250 mL) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (125 mL) fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • ½ cup (125 mL) green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) cumin
  • ½ tsp (2.5 mL) coriander powder
  • ½ tsp (2.5 mL) paprika
  • ½ tsp (2.5 mL) garlic powder
  • 1 ¼ tsp (6.5 mL) kosher salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 mL) black pepper
  • 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil
  • 1 cup (250 mL) fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 3 green onions, roughly chopped
  • ¾ cup (175 mL) labneh
  • 4 pita breads

Instructions

  • Step 1

    Grate the zucchinis, then place the pulp in a cheese cloth and twist it closed to squeeze out as much water as possible.

  • Step 2

    In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the zucchini, parsley, mint, green onions, cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and flour. Use a fork to gently combine all the ingredients until a thick batter forms.

  • Step 3

    Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Heat for 2 minutes. Once the oil is hot, place 1 tbsp (15 mL) dollops of the ijjeh batter in the pan, leaving at least 1/2 inch (1 cm) of space between each one. Cook until golden and crispy, about 1 to 2 minutes on each side.

  • Step 4

    Remove the ijjeh from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Continue frying until all of the ijjeh batter is used.

  • Step 5

    To serve, place the ijjeh on a platter and garnish with the parsley, mint, and green onions. Serve the labneh in a small bowl for dipping. You can also use pita bread to wrap the ijjeh into sandwiches.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving
Calories639
Fat27 g
Saturated Fat8 g
Trans Fat0.1 g
Carbohydrate69 g
Fibre9 g
Sugars6 g
Protein30 g
Sodium1153 mg