These Courgette Fritters with Lemon Dill Yogurt are a light and flavorful dish, perfect as a side or appetizer. The courgettes are coarsely grated and mixed with spring onions, dill, and gram flour, then fried until golden and crispy. Paired with a tangy yogurt sauce infused with lemon zest and dill, and topped with refreshing courgette ribbons and savory cured ham, this dish is as delicious as it is visually stunning.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• 800g courgettes

• Bowl of ice-cold water

• 1 tsp fine salt

• 3 spring onions, finely sliced

• 100g gram (chickpea) flour

• 20g dill, chopped

• 2 medium eggs, beaten

• 4 tbsp sunflower oil for frying

For the Lemon Dill Yogurt:

• 200g Greek yogurt

• 1 lemon (zest and juice)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 8 slices coppa or serrano (dry-cured) ham

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve

• Reserved dill for garnish

• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

1. Prepare the Courgette Ribbons:
   Use a peeler to shave long ribbons from the side of one courgette, aiming for about 50g of ribbons. Place them in ice-cold water in the fridge to help them curl up.

2. Prepare the Grated Courgette:
   Coarsely grate the rest of the courgettes. Place them in a colander, sprinkle with salt, and let them drain for 30 minutes over a sink or a bowl.

3. Mix the Fritter Batter:
   After draining, transfer the grated courgettes to a tea towel and squeeze out any excess liquid. Place them in a large bowl and add the sliced spring onions, gram flour, and a third of the dill. Stir to combine, then add the beaten eggs and stir again.

4. Cook the Fritters:
   Heat the sunflower oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Using a spoon, dollop spoonfuls of the courgette mixture into the pan (roughly an eighth of the mixture per fritter). Flatten slightly with a spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden underneath and starting to set at the edges. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden on the other side. Transfer to a wire rack to drain and repeat with the remaining mixture.

5. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
   While the fritters are cooking, combine the Greek yogurt in a bowl with the finely grated lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice (from half the lemon). Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in most of the remaining dill, reserving some for garnish.

6. Prepare the Courgette Ribbons:
   Drain the courgette ribbons, season with salt and pepper, and toss them with the extra-virgin olive oil and the remaining lemon juice.

7. Assemble and Serve:
   Serve the fritters topped with a dollop of the lemon dill yogurt, courgette ribbons, and slices of coppa or serrano ham. Drizzle with a little more olive oil, scatter over the reserved dill, and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutrients (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 230

• Total Fat: 14g

  • Saturated Fat: 2g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 350mg

• Carbohydrates: 19g

  • Fiber: 3g

  • Sugar: 5g

• Protein: 7g

• Vitamin A: 10% DV

• Vitamin C: 20% DV

• Calcium: 8% DV

• Iron: 4% DV

The Appeal of Courgette Fritters

Courgette fritters are a versatile dish enjoyed across many cultures, particularly during the warmer months when courgettes are in season. The mild flavor of courgettes allows them to absorb the seasonings and textures they are paired with, making them a perfect base for a variety of dishes. The fritters in this recipe are made by coarsely grating the courgettes, allowing for a great balance between moisture and crispiness when fried. This method results in a delightful combination of soft, tender interior and a crisp exterior that is both satisfying and easy to eat.

The fritters are also incredibly customizable and can be adjusted to suit a wide range of tastes. While the base recipe calls for simple ingredients such as spring onions and dill, you can easily modify the fritters by adding other herbs or spices. The use of gram flour, or chickpea flour, gives the fritters a slightly nutty flavor and adds a gluten-free element to the recipe. This makes them a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions or those looking to enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional flour-based fritters.

Why Gram Flour and Courgettes Work So Well Together

Gram flour plays a crucial role in this recipe, acting as the main binding agent that holds the fritters together while giving them structure. Unlike all-purpose flour, gram flour is made from chickpeas and has a naturally nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the delicate taste of the courgettes. It also adds a slightly firmer texture to the fritters, allowing them to hold their shape when fried. Additionally, gram flour is high in protein and fiber, making the fritters not only more nutritious but also more filling.

Courgettes, known for their high water content, can often be tricky to work with in recipes where a firm texture is required. The salt helps draw out excess moisture from the grated courgettes, ensuring the fritters are not soggy. The mixture is then squeezed in a tea towel to remove as much moisture as possible, leaving behind the rich, flavor-packed courgettes that contribute to the soft interior of each fritter. The combination of these ingredients ensures that the fritters are light, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

The Zesty Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce

One of the standout features of this dish is the tangy and aromatic lemon dill yogurt sauce. Greek yogurt, with its thick and creamy texture, provides the perfect base for this sauce. It offers a refreshing contrast to the hot, crispy fritters and helps balance their richness. The lemon zest and juice infuse the yogurt with a bright, zesty flavor that complements the mild taste of the courgettes, while the fresh dill adds a herbaceous note that ties everything together.

The yogurt sauce is simple to prepare, requiring only a few ingredients, but it adds depth to the dish, cutting through the richness of the fritters while enhancing their flavors. The addition of salt and pepper helps to bring all the flavors together, making the yogurt sauce a perfect finishing touch. By using Greek yogurt, the sauce also brings in beneficial probiotics, contributing to gut health, and providing a creamy element that enhances the overall dish.

The Role of Fresh Courgette Ribbons and Cured Ham

To further elevate the dish, fresh courgette ribbons are added as a garnish. The ribbons provide a visual contrast to the golden fritters and add an extra element of texture. They are thinly sliced using a vegetable peeler, resulting in delicate, curled ribbons that are both light and refreshing. When combined with the tangy yogurt sauce and the savory cured ham, the courgette ribbons add a touch of crispness and freshness to the dish.

Cured ham, such as coppa or serrano, is another key element that gives the dish a savory and slightly salty finish. The saltiness of the cured ham contrasts with the sweetness of the courgettes and the richness of the yogurt, creating a balanced, well-rounded dish. The ham is usually drizzled with a little extra virgin olive oil, enhancing its flavor and adding a glossy finish that makes the dish look even more appetizing. This combination of fresh vegetables, creamy yogurt, and savory cured meat creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Serving Suggestions

These courgette fritters with lemon dill yogurt are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. As a side dish, they pair beautifully with grilled meats or seafood, offering a light, flavorful complement to heavier dishes. The fritters also work well as an appetizer for a Mediterranean or Middle Eastern-inspired meal, where their fresh and zesty flavors can act as a great introduction to the main course.

For a lighter, vegetarian meal, the fritters can be served as the main course with a simple side salad of mixed greens or roasted vegetables. The refreshing yogurt sauce and the crunch of the courgette ribbons make this a satisfying dish that is not overly heavy but still full of flavor. For a more substantial meal, you could serve these fritters with pita bread or flatbreads, allowing guests to scoop up the yogurt sauce and enjoy the fritters as a fun and interactive dish.

These fritters also make a wonderful snack or finger food for parties and gatherings. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to serve and enjoy in a social setting, and the combination of crispy fritters, creamy yogurt sauce, and savory ham will surely be a hit with your guests.

Health Considerations and Variations

Courgette fritters with lemon dill yogurt are a relatively healthy dish, especially when compared to other fried options. Courgettes are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice. The use of gram flour instead of regular flour adds protein and fiber to the fritters, making them a more satisfying and wholesome option.

For those following a gluten-free diet, this dish is an excellent choice, as it uses chickpea flour instead of wheat flour. The yogurt sauce is naturally gluten-free as well, and by substituting the cured ham for a vegetarian option, the dish can easily be made fully vegetarian or even vegan. You can use plant-based yogurt to replace the Greek yogurt, and opt for a plant-based meat substitute if desired. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs like basil or mint to vary the flavor profile of the sauce.

If you’re looking to make the dish even lighter, you can bake the fritters instead of frying them. Although they may not have the same crispiness as when fried, baking them at a high temperature with a drizzle of olive oil can still result in a delicious and healthier version.

Conclusion

Courgette fritters with lemon dill yogurt are a light, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. The balance between the crispy, golden fritters, the tangy yogurt sauce, the fresh courgette ribbons, and the savory cured ham makes for a delightful culinary experience. Whether served as a side dish, appetizer, or main course, this dish is sure to impress with its combination of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. The dish also offers the flexibility to be adapted for various dietary needs and preferences, making it an excellent choice for both casual and special occasions. With its simple preparation and satisfying flavors, courgette fritters with lemon dill yogurt is a recipe that will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.