Courgette Patties

Courgette fritters are one of my favourite summer dishes. I particularly love them during courgette season, when they’re fresh, tender and full of flavour. This recipe is a slightly healthier version of the classic courgette fritters because, instead of being fried, they’re baked in the oven, and the added protein makes them even more nutritious and balanced.

Pumpkin fritters are a popular snack in many Mediterranean countries, where vegetables form the basis of the daily diet, but they also hold a special place on the Bulgarian table. Light, fragrant and absolutely delicious, they are a wonderful choice for lunch or dinner, as well as a starter to share.

And when it comes to courgettes, one thing is certain: they go hand in hand with white garlic sauce. That’s why this recipe includes an irresistibly creamy garlic accompaniment that turns every bite into a real treat.

🥗 PORTIONS: 6 |⏳ PREPARATION TIME: 60 minutes

INGREDIENTS for courgette patties

• 2 courgettes
• 2 eggs
• 80g bulgur (pre-soaked)
• 100g yoghurt (skir)
• 200g low-fat cottage cheese
• 2 tbsp flour (wholemeal)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp ground dill

INGREDIENTS for the sauce

• 100g low-fat cottage cheese
• 150g yoghurt (skyr)
• 2–3 small cloves of garlic
• a handful of fresh dill

METHOD OF PREPARATION

1. Grate the courgettes and season them generously with salt. Leave them for 30 minutes to allow the water to drain out.
2. Drain the water from the courgettes and mix them with the other ingredients.
3. Scoop up some of the mixture and shape it into round patties (about 12), placing 1–2 tbsp of the mixture onto a flat baking tray lined with baking paper.
4. Bake at 180 degrees for at least 30 minutes (or until the courgette patties are golden brown and firm).
5. Meanwhile, make the sauce by crushing the garlic well and mixing it with the other ingredients.
6. Serve the meatballs with a small bowl of sauce on the side.

NUTRITIONAL VALUES (approximate values for 1 pumpkin patty with sauce)

• Calories: 78 kcal
• Protein: 8.3 g
• Fats: 1.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 8.3 g
• Fibres: 1.8 g