Monday, August 29, 2011

Zucchini-Corn Fritters


  • 2 medium zucchini, coarsely shredded
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 ears corn, kernels cut off 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
Toss the zucchini with 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl; let stand 10 minutes. Wrap the zucchini in a kitchen towel and squeeze dry.

Meanwhile, heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Add the corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Set aside.

Whisk the cornmeal, flour, baking soda, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk the buttermilk and egg in a large bowl, then stir in the corn-onion mixture and zucchini. Add the cornmeal mixture and stir until just combined.

Heat about 1/8 inch vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, scoop scant 1/4 cupfuls of the batter into the oil and use the back of the measuring cup to flatten the scoops. Cook until the fritters are golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Serve warm or at room temperature. (You can make the fritters up to 2 hours ahead; reheat in a 375 degrees F oven on a rack set on a baking sheet.)