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Roasted butternut squash fritters offer a delightful twist on traditional fritters. By first roasting the squash, these fritters gain a deep, caramelized flavor that is irresistible.

The process of roasting, scooping, and then pan-frying results in a fritter that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Paired with homemade tzatziki, these fritters become a lovely blend of sweet and savory with a refreshing creamy contrast. This dish is perfect as a unique appetizer, side, or even a light main course.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the fritters:

  • 1 medium butternut squash
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for pan-frying

For the tzatziki sauce: 

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated and drained
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Squash (45 minutes): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the halves cut-side up on a baking sheet, and roast in the oven until the flesh is tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 45 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Tzatziki (15 minutes): While the squash is roasting, prepare the tzatziki. Combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Scoop and Mix Squash (10 minutes): Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Add the beaten eggs, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
  4. Form and Fry Fritters (20 minutes): Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Form the squash mixture into small patties and fry in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  5. Serve (5 minutes): Serve the warm butternut squash fritters with the chilled tzatziki sauce on the side.

Equipment

Notes

These roasted butternut squash fritters with homemade tzatziki are a delightful treat. The key to perfect fritters is ensuring the squash is well-roasted and the oil is hot enough for frying.

You can experiment with different herbs in both the fritters and tzatziki for variations in flavor. These fritters pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or as part of a mezze platter. The tzatziki not only complements the fritters but can also be used as a dip for other vegetables or grilled meats.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition