Zucchini Fritters for the First Plate

Zucchini Fritters for the First Plate keeps the shopping list focused on grape tomatoes, extra-virgin olive oil, and kosher salt. It serves 6 people.

Count on 30 minutes of prep, 20 minutes of cooking, about 50 minutes from the first measurement to the plate.

Ingredients Method

What goes in the bowl

For the Tomatoes

• 1 ½ pounds grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Fritters

• 3 ½ cups zucchini shredded
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
• 2 cups cooked farro
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs I used Italian seasoning
• 3 tablespoons green onions finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons whole-wheat flour
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped
• 3 large eggs lightly beaten
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
• goat cheese for serving

How the cooking goes

Prepare the tomatoes

1. If making the slow-roasted tomatoes, heat the oven to 250°F and prepare a sheet pan with foil. In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients for the tomatoes.
2. Arrange tomatoes in a single layer on a sheet pan and bake for 3 hours or until very tender. Stir them occasionally.

Prepare the fritters

1. Line a medium bowl with cheesecloth and combine zucchini with ½ teaspoon salt in the bowl on top of the cloth. Let stand for 10 minutes. Gather up the edges of the cheesecloth and squeeze the zucchini until it releases most of its liquid.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine zucchini, ½ teaspoon salt, farro, breadcrumbs, green onions, flour, thyme, eggs, garlic, and olive oil in a mixing bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes. Shape the mixture into 12 equal patties.
3. Heat a wide pan (you used cast iron) over a moderate flame until hot. Add several teaspoons of oil, and add 4 of the patties. Cook for 4 minutes on each side or until golden. Repeat with the remaining patties.
4. Serve warm with tomatoes and goat cheese.

After it comes off the heat

Give the plate the rest the method asks for. Cover leftovers and refrigerate them when the dish includes meat, eggs, or dairy.

If you want another plate from Vegetarian, open Vegetable Casserole for the Sharing Bowl and Quinoa Vegetarian Meatballs (Gluten-Free Option) with a Clear Method.