Fritters. A popular antipasto all over Italy and in our home, too. Fritters made from seasonal vegetables are all the better – making these Kohlrabi and Summer Squash Fritters a perfect choice for July!
Kohlrabi is a mildly sweet, crispy textured tuberous vegetable, also known as a German Turnip. It comes from the family that includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens and Brussels sprouts. And although we’re only using the bulb today, the leaves can be used like you might use turnip greens.
I had the idea to combine grated kohlrabi with grated summer squash as the rinds of the squash are tender and edible. The only peeling we need to do is for the kohlrabi. The veggies get a good grate, either in a food processor or with a box grater (which is always my go-to tool for making fritters) and then it’s a matter of mixing in common fritter ingredients.
The color and mild sweetness make for an appetizer that looks and tastes like summer.
Speaking of summer…our family took our highly anticipated summer-vacation last week. It was all about Mickey and Harry. As in Mouse and Potter.
Yep, now that the entire family is over 21 – we decided that Disney World and Universal were the places to go.
Mmm-hmmmm.
Tiny tots running around, 100 degree heat with humidity off the charts… But guys, if you’re a fan of the JK Rowling series like our crew is, then you understand the choice we made. Okay – so we’re just big kids (really big kids) at heart.
I can tell you, though – it’s a mystical experience. Yes, we cried upon entering The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (okay – so maybe that was just Luc and I) but, I’d be willing to bet that if we looked closely enough, Dom, Chels and Nick were misty, too. It’s the music, I tell ya. We can’t handle it.
Anyway – the trip was spectacular and our time together, wonderful. We’ve been to Disney, before, when the kids were younger, and boy, if that place doesn’t pull at the old heartstrings at every turn of a corner, but, there was something about being there with our adult children that actually made it more sentimental…more nostalgic…
Speaking of nostalgic…on our last evening, while decompressing over a hand or two of Rummy and the sharing of our favorite moments, we concurred that not only were our days filled with activities that kids go crazy for – but our diet would make any eight year old a very happy camper. I won’t go into detail, let’s just say – we took our job serious.
Making these vegetable fritters all the more welcome to our table. They have a real grown-up feel. Don’t ya think?
Once the fritters are fried and ready to go, serve them on a platter with an extra grind of Parmesan, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
I’ve included a bowl of cherry tomato marinara, so if you’re anything like I am and like a good dollop of zingy sauce on your fritter, it’s a delicious option, but not necessary.
Kohlrabi and Summer Squash Fritters just might be my new favorite fritter. (Today.)
Buon Appetito!
PrintKohlrabi and Summer Squash Fritters
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 large kohlrabi
- 2 summer squash
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil (plus more if needed)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- marinara (optional)
Instructions
- Remove leaves from kohlrabi and peel the bulb.
- Using a food processor or box grater, shred the vegetables.
- Place the shredded vegetables on a large tea towel or using your hands, remove the moisture from the vegetables.
- Place in a large bowl and add eggs, bread crumbs, flour, Parmesan, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper and stir to combine.
- In a large nonstick sauté pan set over medium heat, heat 1/4 cup olive oil.
- With a tablespoon, drop batter into oil.
- Cook until each fritter is golden brown on each side (2 -3 minutes per side).
- Remove fritters and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- Continue to add oil to the pan as needed and finish frying.
- When all the batter is cooked, place fritters on a serving platter.
- Serve with extra grated Parmesan, lemon wedges, and marinara.
Cocktails with my peeps at Three Broomsticks in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter…. Sighhhhhhh
Accio long pin!
CIAO!
Kari says
It looks like you had the best time! I love that you used kohlrabi in these fritters, you almost never see it around! My family has always eaten it raw and sliced up, but fritters sound way better!
Annie says
Raw is so good too! So fresh and tasty! We did have a great time! Thank you, my friend! 🙂
Robin Botie says
So great to see the whole family, Annie. And you all look so happy. Thanks for these fritters. A must-try.
Annie says
Thank you, Robin! Hope you give the fritters a try…I think you’ll really enjoy them! 🙂
Kevin | Keviniscooking says
You had me at fritter Annie. This is a Summer treat for sure and I would eat a big old batch of these with that fresh cheese and dipping sauce. BTW, those are killer S&P shakers. We were just up in Portland and Dave’s brother from Maui was there too and handed me a set of Koa wood ones. So cool. Fantastic family photo finish!
Annie says
Fritters are happiness. I’m not surprised that we agree on that fact! hahaha! Aren’t those shakers awesome! They were a gift from our kids. I bet yours are stunning! Thanks for the kind words, my friend! 🙂
Mir says
You are BRILLIANT, going to Disney with adult kids. It would be so much more fun that way! I’m gonna be just like you, Annie. Why deal with the crying and screaming? And that’s just me. 🙂
I’ve never had kohlrabi before, so now I have to try it!
Annie says
Thank you, Mir!! Hahahah! I hear you! Gotta admit – it was the calmest Disney vacation we ever had! Thanks, friend! 🙂
deb@glutenfreefarina says
I just don’t do anything ever with kohlrabi. Thanks for the push in that direction. Fritters are fabulous and your photography is amazing. This does remind me of my mother picking all those squash blossoms and frying those up. We Italians don’t let anything go to waste. And, a beautiful picture of your family…
Annie says
Oh gosh – now I’m going to crave squash blossoms until I have them! Try the kohlrabi in a fritter, my friend! I think you’ll love it! Thank you for your sweet words, Deb!
Manali@CookWithManali says
we make lot of fritters too, mostly with chickpea flour 🙂 nothing like deep fried fritters and chai on a rainy day! These look so good Annie, I would happily gulp down the entire tray!
Annie says
Oh my – I need to make them with chickpea flour! Fritters and chai on a rainy day? I say YES! Thank you, friend! 🙂
Kelsie | itsy-bitsy kitchen says
OMG you had me at fritter. LOVE THEM! And I’m so jealous about your trip. Harry Potter for life! We appreciate him more as adults. I think? 🙂
Annie says
I hear you! ‘Fritter’ gets me every time! And I also agree about Harry… HP for life! Thanks, friend! 🙂
Puja Darshan says
My stomach is growling at these pictures Annie.This sounds super delicious!!!
Lovely sharing. 🙂
Annie says
Thank you, Puja!! I appreciate your kind words! 🙂
mira says
Love this post Annie! And you guys look awesome, always love when people are smiling! Love that you had a nice vacation! These fritters look so good! Pinning to try them!
Annie says
Thank you so much, Mira! I am with you – nothing like smiling faces! Enjoy the fritters, my friend! Thanks for the pin! 🙂
Corinne Yousey says
Can’t wait to try these and we just went to Universal studios to see both Harry Potter Worlds with our new high school graduate and his buddy! We probably missed each other by a week – thought we were the only crazy ones going to Florida in the summer!
Annie says
Darn! Would have loved to see you guys! Can’t believe your boy graduated! Congratulations!! Enjoy the fritters, my friend! 🙂
Meghan | Fox and Briar says
What fun family vacation! Despite being in my 30s, I would still be thrilled to go to the Harry Potter World, so I totally understand! Loving these fritters, I just tried kohlrabi for the first time last summer and had no idea what to do with it! Pinning!
Annie says
I support that decision! hahaha! I think anyone who is a fan of Harry Potter will be utterly satisfied with the experience they’ve created. Thanks for the pin, my friend! Enjoy! 🙂
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
What beautiful post, Annie. I have been to Disney land only once and I LOVED IT. I so wish to take my daughter there once she turns 5! And these fritters look stunning and so delicious! Love veggie fritters, so can’t wait to give a go! YUMMY! 🙂
Annie says
Being there with your child will be altogether different! To see it through their eyes is very special! So glad you like the fritters! Thanks, doll! 🙂
Yum In Your Tum | Amanda says
You have a beautiful family Annie, and it sounds like everyone had a blast. No matter how old I am amusement parks will always be fun! 🙂 …and for these fritters…they look absolutely amazing! Such an elegant looking appetizer. I actually never had the opportunity to try kohlrabi yet, and wouldn’t know what to do with it, but this looks like a great way to use it. This recipe is definitely on my to-make list. Thanks for sharing this yumminess!
Annie says
I am a fritter girl…and these are so good!! Thank you, my friend! Enjoy! 🙂
Amanda says
What a fancy fritter! And this is great because I never know what to do with kohlrabi, even though I like it. Very cool.
Annie says
Why thank you, Amanda!! 🙂