Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Cakes with Lemon Cream, Roasted Tomatoes, and Basil
🧀 Appetizers
Intermediate

Crispy Zucchini Parmesan Cakes with Lemon Cream, Roasted Tomatoes, and Basil

An original appetizer of small golden zucchini and Parmesan cakes, served with a fresh lemon cream, roasted cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves. Crisp on the outside, tender inside, with a bright and elegant contrast.

20 minPrep
25 minCook
45 minTotal
4Servings
Vegetarian

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 350 g zucchini (grated and escurrido)
  • 5 g salt (divided)
  • 200 g cherry tomatoes (whole)
  • 30 ml olive oil (divided)
  • 2 g black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 2 g garlic powder
  • 60 g grated Parmesan
  • 50 g breadcrumbs
  • 1 unit egg
  • 10 g chives (finely chopped)
  • 120 g cream cheese (at room temperature)
  • 60 g plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 unit lemon (zest and 15 ml/1 tbsp of juice)
  • 8 g fresh basil (leaves small)
  • 15 g wheat flour

Nutrition facts

per serving

255 kcal
Calories
11 g
Protein
14 g
Carbs
17 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
12 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

GlutenDairyEggs

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. Place the cherry tomatoes on a small baking tray, toss them with 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil, 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and a pinch of black pepper, and roast for 18 to 20 minutes until tender and lightly wrinkled.

  2. 2

    Place the grated zucchini in a colander, toss with 2 g (1/2 tsp) salt, and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then wrap it in a clean towel and squeeze very well to remove as much liquid as possible.

  3. 3

    In a large bowl, mix the drained zucchini, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, wheat flour, egg, chives, garlic powder, 1 g (1/4 tsp) salt, and the remaining black pepper until you have a mixture that can be compacted by hand.

  4. 4

    Shape 8 small cakes of equal size, pressing firmly so they hold together.

  5. 5

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat with the remaining 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil. Cook the cakes for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate if desired.

  6. 6

    In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, and 15 ml (1 tbsp) lemon juice until smooth. Adjust with the remaining salt to taste.

  7. 7

    To serve, spoon some lemon cream onto a platter or individual plates, arrange the warm cakes on top or alongside, add the roasted cherry tomatoes, and finish with fresh basil leaves.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately to keep the contrast between the crispy cakes, cool cream, and juicy tomatoes.

Chef tips

Draining the zucchini thoroughly is the key to crispy cakes that hold together. If the mixture feels too wet, add 1 extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs.

Substitutions

You can swap the chives for fresh parsley. Greek yogurt can be replaced with sour cream, and basil with small arugula leaves for a bolder finish.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
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  • Illustrative image: Air fryerIllustrative image

    Cosori Pro LE 5 Qt Air Fryer

    Browning and baking with little oil

    • Browns food with very little oil
    • Handy for vegetables, chicken and reheating
    • Check the basket capacity
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  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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