Zucchini and Carrot Fritters with Yogurt Mint-Dip

Andrew Scrivani for The New York Times

from The NewYork Times

submitted by Anne Halsted

preparation time: 1 hour

makes 3 dozen small fritters

1 cup all-purpose flour, more as needed

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon coriander

1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided, more for serving

1 cup milk, more as needed

1 large egg

¼ teaspoon grated lemon zest

¼ teaspoon pepper

2 large carrots, grated (about 1½ cups)

1 large zucchini, grated (about 2 cups)

2 scallions, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tablespoons chopped mint

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

olive oil for frying

To make the batter for the fritters, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, coriander and ½ teaspoon salt. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, lemon zest and pepper.

Pour dry ingredients into wet; whisk until just blended (do not overmix). Batter should be slightly thicker than cream. If it’s too thick, add some milk; if it’s too thin, sprinkle with additional flour. Stir in the carrots, zucchini and scallions. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.

To make the yogurt dip, using a mortar and pestle or the back of a kitchen knife, mash together the garlic and ¼ teaspoon salt. In a small bowl, whisk together the garlic paste, yogurt, mint and 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Fill a wide saucepan with 1 inch of olive oil; heat until the temperature registers 375 degrees F on a deep fry thermometer (or until a small drip of batter browns immediately). Line a cookie sheet with paper towels. Working in batches, drop battered vegetables by the tablespoon into the oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry, turning occasionally, until golden all over, about 3 to 4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer fritters to the cookie sheet to drain. Transfer fritters to a platter or plate. Sprinkle with salt and serve with yogurt dip.

These are great as a dinner side dish or brunch dish. The yogurt-mint dip really makes the fritters – a wonderful balance.