Fertility Fit Zucchini Cakes
Fertility FIt: Crispy Zucchini Cakes
Ok y’all. Most of my recipes come from assessing my fridge to see what I need to use, and how to make it appealing for the fam. I had some zucchini that were nearing their end of lifespan and didn't want them to go to waste. I have a hard time with a lot of squash/zucchini recipes, I don't LOVE them like I do other veggies. Its a texture thing. They go from too firm to too mushy and it has to be a perfect fit for my liking. But these zucchini cakes were easy and delicious and reheated well. Kids loved them. I was worried when it was time to flip that they weren't going to be good, but they were! You could easily change the spices to be more Greek or spicy seasoning, they would also go well with an Indian dish.
Ingredients:
- 3 small zucchini, grated and water squeezed out
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of basil
- 3 eggs
- 1.5 cups of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (or substitute panko)
- ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup of nutritional yeast
- Optional: any leftover cheese you have in the fridge, such as mozzarella
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Spray coconut oil or other spray oil
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees
- .Prepare the zucchini: Grate the zucchini and then squeeze out excess water. **This step is essential to prevent the patties from becoming soggy during baking.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, chopped onion, minced garlic, basil, eggs, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, and any additional cheese you prefer.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Prepare baking sheet: Spray a baking sheet with coconut oil or your preferred spray oil to prevent the patties from sticking.
- Form patties: Using your hands, form the zucchini mixture into equal-sized patties. I did mine about ¼ inch thing
- Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each patty to ensure even cooking.
- Spray patties with oil: Lightly spray the tops of the patties with coconut oil or your chosen spray oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Flip and bake: After 20 minutes, carefully flip the patties over using a spatula. Continue baking for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the patties are crispy and golden brown on both sides.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooked to perfection, remove the zucchini patties from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These patties are delicious on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce or salad.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Zucchini: Rich in vitamins and minerals, zucchini is low in calories and high in fiber, which supports gut health by promoting regular bowel movements and feeding beneficial gut bacteria.
- Onion and Garlic: Both are prebiotic foods, meaning they contain fibers that nourish the good bacteria in your gut, helping to maintain a healthy microbiome.
- Eggs: A good source of protein and essential nutrients like choline, which is important for fetal brain development during pregnancy.
- Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, and Nutritional Yeast: Provide additional flavor and texture while offering essential nutrients like calcium and B vitamins.
- Basil: Adds flavor and is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect reproductive cells from oxidative stress.
By incorporating these nutrient-packed ingredients into your diet through these delicious zucchini patties, you can support both your fertility and gut health goals. Enjoy these crispy delights as a wholesome addition to any meal or snack time!
