Ingredients
Zucchini
- 1 lb / 500 g zucchinis (courgettes)
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Batter
- 1/2 cup plain flour (all-purpose flour), can substitute gluten-free flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup green onion, finely sliced (white and pale green parts only)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated (store-bought sandy type)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano (or 2 tsp other dried herbs)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 150 g / 5 oz Greek feta cheese, crumbled
Cooking and Serving
- Olive oil spray
- Lemon wedges and oregano leaves (optional garnishes)
Minted Yoghurt (Optional)
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yoghurt or any plain unsweetened yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Zucchini: Grate the zucchinis and sprinkle them with 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Place in a colander and let them sweat for about 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Drain and Dry: After sweating, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated zucchini using either a clean kitchen towel or your hands. This step is crucial to ensure the tots are not soggy.
- Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain flour, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, finely sliced green onions, grated parmesan, dried oregano, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and crumbled feta cheese. Add the dried zucchini and mix thoroughly until a thick, cohesive batter forms.
- Shape the Tots: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Using your hands or a small scoop, shape the batter mixture into small tater-tot or gem shapes and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spray the tops lightly with olive oil spray for crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Prepare Minted Yoghurt (Optional): While the tots bake, mix the Greek yoghurt with chopped fresh mint, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl to make a refreshing dipping sauce.
- Serve: Remove tots from the oven and serve warm. Garnish with lemon wedges and oregano leaves if desired, alongside the minted yoghurt dip for a flavorful accompaniment.
Notes
- To ensure crispy tots, it is important to squeeze out all excess moisture from the grated zucchini.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Cheese variations such as shredded cheddar or tasty cheese can replace parmesan if preferred.
- The tots can be shaped into any desired form, not just traditional tater-tot shapes.
- The baked tots offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.
- Minted yoghurt sauce adds a cool, fresh contrast but is optional.
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian