Journal of One: Golden Zucchini & Pea Fritters with Fresh Garden Tzatziki [Recipe 01]

Some meals are simple, nourishing, and just plain delicious — and these golden zucchini and pea fritters are exactly that. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, they’re a celebration of whatever the garden is giving you. Fresh peas, grated zucchini, and a little good old-fashioned fat are all it takes to create that irresistible golden crust.

Paired with a cooling, fresh tzatziki-style yoghurt dip, this dish works beautifully as a light lunch, a snack for the kids, or a colourful side. It’s a lovely way to honour seasonal produce while keeping the cooking simple and satisfying.

Ingredients – Zucchini & Pea Fritters

• ¼ cup peas, boiled and lightly mashed (fresh if possible)
  
  

• 3 medium zucchinis, grated
  
  

• 1 tsp salt (for drawing moisture from zucchini)
  
  

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
  

• ⅓ cup grated parmesan
  
  

• ½ cup flour
  
  

• 1 egg
  
  

• ½ tsp baking powder
  
  

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced (or ½ brown onion, finely chopped)
  
  

• 1 tsp black pepper
  
  

• 3 Tbsp oil or fat drippings (we used rendered fat for frying)
  
  

Instructions – Fritters

Step 1: Prepare the zucchini
Place the grated zucchini in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and let sit for 15 minutes.

After resting, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands or a clean cloth. This step is key for fritters that are crisp and golden.

Step 2: Make the batter
In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, mashed peas, garlic, parmesan, spring onion, and black pepper. Mix gently.

Sprinkle the flour and baking powder over the mixture and fold in until just combined. Avoid overmixing — you want light, airy fritters.

Step 3: Cook the fritters
Heat the oil or fat in a medium pan over medium heat.
Spoon small patties of the mixture into the pan and flatten slightly.
Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp.
Drain briefly on a paper towel if needed.

Fresh Garden Tzatziki-Style Dip

This simple yoghurt dip perfectly balances the warm fritters. Using fresh, seasonal ingredients, it adds a bright, cooling note to every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup natural yoghurt
  
  

• 1 small cucumber, grated and well strained
  
  

• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
  
  

• Juice of ½ lemon
  
  

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
  
  

• Salt to taste
  
  

• Fresh tomatoes, finely chopped (for topping)
  
  

Instructions – Dip

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid.
   
   

2. Mix yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
   
   

3. Season lightly with salt.
   
   

4. Spoon into a serving bowl and top with chopped fresh tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.
   
   

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fritters hot from the pan with a generous spoon of tzatziki on the side or on top. They’re perfect eaten outdoors, shared family-style, and enjoyed slowly with good conversation.

This recipe is proof that seasonal cooking doesn’t have to be complicated — just a few fresh ingredients, simple steps, and a little love can transform what’s in your garden into a nourishing, crowd-pleasing meal.