Broccoli fritters make an amazing main or side dish whether you can’t get enough vegetables or can’t get them away from you fast enough. These crispy, savory, tender, warm fritters will totally transform the way you see broccoli.
Do you hate waste and hate unhealthy eating even more? Did you know that 133 billion pounds of food are wasted in the U.S. every year? Do you want to find delicious, exciting ways to cut down on your own food waste and eat healthy meals?
Brocolli fritters can be made with both the florets and stems of your broccoli. So next time you make a broccoli-based meal or side dish, save those stems and get two meals out of one with this easy broccoli fritter recipe.
Why You Should Eat Broccoli
You may be wondering, “Is broccoli even all that good for you?” Sure it was pushed on you as a kid, but what are the benefits?
Although raw broccoli is only 25 calories per cup, what it lacks in carbohydrates and calories it makes up for in nutrients.
Broccoli is full of Vitamin K for blood health and preventing blood clots. If you’re worried about your immune system, broccoli has you covered with 135% of your daily intake of Vitamin C.
Here are some of the other nutrients you can find in broccoli:
- Folate
- Chromium
- Vitamins A, B6, B2, E
- Phosphorus
- Choline
- Manganese
- Copper
- Potassium
All of these nutrients are linked to better circulation, memory, mood, and even metabolism.
Broccoli is also high in fiber which promotes good digestive health and water for healthy weight management. The fiber in broccoli creates a healthy gut which in turn helps your immune system and mood.
Broccoli even has antioxidant compounds that have been linked to countering UV radiation damage to the skin, macular degeneration, and cataracts.
There isn’t a system in your body that won’t benefit from eating more broccoli.
Why Hide Your Vegetables?
So you know why you should eat more broccoli, but why specifically fritters?
Not only are fritters super tasty, but they also conceal the number of vegetables you’re eating. When starting a new, healthier diet, it can be overwhelming to look down at a plate of vegetables that you need to finish. It’s even more overwhelming if you’ve got kids who are finicky eaters.
A crispy browned patty resembling hashbrowns is a much more delightful and enticing food to find on your plate. Even your kids will forget what they’re really eating.
What You Need
Now that you know why you should eat broccoli, let’s learn a recipe for it! With only six ingredients and an easy cooking method, you can whip up a healthy, delicious meal for you and your family in no time at all. Plus, you probably already have most of these low-carb ingredients in your home.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chopped broccoli (stems and florets)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoon oat fiber, almond flour, or powdered pork rinds
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or your favorite cooking oil
Preparation
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’ll need to get them in the right condition for cooking.
Take your broccoli stems and/or florets and chop them into small pieces. Half an inch by half an inch is a good size.
Steam your chunks lightly in the microwave or steamer, and lightly press them with a paper towel to remove any water.
In a small bowl, beat your two eggs until they are of one consistency.
Method
Combine the flour of your choice with the cajun seasoning in a bowl. Stir or toss your steamed broccoli with the dry mixture until all the broccoli is thoroughly coated.
Add the beaten eggs and stir together.
Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir a final time.
Cook
Prepare a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Test that it’s hot by hovering your hand above the pan.
Add your avocado (or other) oil and swirl to coat the whole bottom of the pan. You may need less oil depending on the size and kind of pan you are using.
Divide the broccoli mixture into fourths. Carefully spoon each fourth into the pan and arrange it into a low mound or patty shape.
Don’t worry if some of the mixture falls out of the patty. Simply scrape it back onto the pile.
Cook on the first side for about two to three minutes or until the patty begins to melt and the bottom is crusty brown.
Flip and repeat on the other side. The fritters are done when they are slightly brown and crispy all over.
Serve
Broccoli fritters can be served on their own as a snack or with extras as a dinner.
For dinner, serve the fritters with a side of remoulade sauce, or top each fritter with a fried or poached egg.
Recipe
Broccoli Fritters
Ingredients
- 8 ounces chopped broccoli stems and florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 2 tablespoon almond flour or powdered pork rinds
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or your favorite cooking oil
Instructions
- Take your broccoli stems and/or florets and chop them into small pieces.
- Steam your chunks lightly in the microwave or steamer, and lightly press them with a paper towel to remove any water.
- In a small bowl, beat your two eggs until they are of one consistency.
- Combine the flour of your choice with the cajun seasoning in a bowl. Stir or toss your steamed broccoli with the dry mixture until all the broccoli is thoroughly coated.
- Add the beaten eggs and stir together.
- Finally, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir a final time.
- Add your avocado (or other) oil and swirl to coat the whole bottom of the pan. You may need less oil depending on the size and kind of pan you are using.
- Divide the broccoli mixture into fourths if making 4 large fritters. Otherwise you will be working with about 1.5 Tbsps of the fritter mix at a time.
- Cook on the first side for about two to three minutes or until the patty begins to melt and the bottom is crusty brown.
- Flip and repeat on the other side. The fritters are done when they are slightly brown and crispy all over.
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe? Please be sure to rate it and leave me a message in the comments on what you thought! Also, don’t forget to follow omnomdelicious on Instagram, Pineterest, and Facebook and tag me so I can see what you create!
Variations of Broccoli Fritters
If you’re not worried about keeping this recipe low-carb, you can substitute the oat fiber or almond flour with regular flour.
This recipe will serve four full-size fritters, but if you plan on serving them as a snack you can make smaller ones. Measure the mixture into a quarter of cup servings when making your patties. At this size, this recipe will make about nine fritters.
If you don’t have broccoli, but have another vegetable, such as zucchini, you can substitute with that.
Storage
Broccoli Fritters are a great option if you like to freeze your food and prepare it later in the week. Place each fritter between a layer of parchment paper to prevent sticking, and pop them into a freezer-safe container. Warm them up on the stove or in the microwave.
Healthy Delicious Meals You Can Make
Broccoli fritters are easy to make, taste delicious, and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function at its best. Your family may not even realize that they’re eating their vegetables!
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