Broccoli pancakes
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
From ingredients
5 products
Vegetables
Spices
SIMPLE PROCESS
Step by step recipe
The secret to these fritters is proper broccoli prep. Blanch it for just 5 minutes to keep it crisp and bright green. Immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking and lock in color. Chop finely, mix with cottage cheese, egg, and Parmesan – the mixture should be moist but not runny. Fry over medium heat until golden on both sides, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Blanch the broccoli
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli florets (200 g / 7 oz) and cook for exactly 5 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking.
Chop the broccoli
Drain the broccoli well, then finely chop it into small pieces. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Mix with other ingredients
Add cottage cheese (50 g / 1.8 oz), egg (55 g / 1 large), grated Parmesan (30 g / 1 oz), salt, and spices (3 g / ½ tsp). Stir thoroughly until well combined.
Heat oil in a skillet
Pour 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Fry the fritters
Using a tablespoon, drop portions of the mixture into the hot oil, flattening slightly with a spatula. Fry until golden brown on the bottom, then flip and fry the other side. Drain on paper towels.
Serve hot
Serve immediately with sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
CHEF'S TIP
Blanch broccoli correctly
Drop florets into boiling salted water for exactly 5 minutes, then transfer to ice water. This keeps them bright and crisp.
Chop broccoli finely
The finer you chop, the better it binds with other ingredients, and the fritters will hold their shape well.
Don't make the mixture too dry
Cottage cheese and egg provide moisture – no flour needed unless it's too runny. Parmesan adds saltiness, so adjust salt to taste.
Fry over medium heat
High heat will burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Keep it medium and be patient.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Add your taste
- Cottage cheese → ricotta or silken tofu Swap for ricotta for a creamier texture, or silken tofu for a vegan option.
- Parmesan → any hard cheese Gouda, Cheddar, or Pecorino work great – they add sharpness and melt well.
- Add herbs or garlic Mix in chopped fresh dill or parsley, and a clove of minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Egg-free (vegan) Replace the egg with 1 tbsp flax meal + 3 tbsp water – the fritters will be denser but still hold together.
HOW TO STORE
How to Store Broccoli Fritters
Cool the fritters on a wire rack, then store in an airtight container with paper towels between layers. Refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a dry skillet or oven at 150°C (300°F) for 5–7 minutes to crisp up. Freezing is not recommended – they become watery and lose texture upon thawing.
GOOD TO KNOW