Zucchini-Cornmeal Cakes

These cake patties are originally served with Mint Chutney and Yoghurt, but I have taken the easier route of serving them with Thai Chilli Sauce instead.

The only spice used is a small amount of ground cumin (1/4 tsp) , but I have added more of it. Grated zucchini are mixed with some salt, then let sit for 10 minutes. Squeezed out the juice as much as possible, and there will be a lot of juice. Then mix the squeezed zucchini with the rest of the ingredients as per the recipe instruction. Make 2 tablespoons size balls, place in hot oil, flatten with the back of the ladle and fry until brown on both sides. Drain on absorbent paper towel.

I serve the Zucchini-Cornmeal Cakes with Thai Chilli Sauce and some fresh cilantro. The cornmeal adds an interesting texture. Nice cakes.

Zucchini-Cornmeal Cakes
(Dinner : Changing The Game, by Melissa Clark)
2 medium zucchini, grated (about 3 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 large scallions (white and green part), minced
1 small garlic clove, grated on a microplane or minced
extra-virgin olive oil, for frying

1. In a large colander, toss the grated zucchini with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Let it sit in the sink (or in a bowl) for 10 minutes to drain.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cumin, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; mix to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with the melted butter. Then add the egg mixture to the cornmeal mixture, whisking to make a thick batter. Squeeze as much of the remaining moisture out of the salted zucchini as possible, and then add the zucchini, scallions, and garlic to the batter; fold everything together gently.
4. In a large skillet over medium heat, add just enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. When the oil is hot, drop as many 2-tablespoons-sized balls of the zucchini batter into the skillet as you can to form a single layer, without the balls touching. Flatten each one with the back of a metal spoon. Fry until they are deep golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the zucchini cakes to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain, sprinkling them with salt to taste while they're still hot. Repeat with remaining batter.

I'm linking this post with Cookbook Countdown #32 hosted by 

Kitchen Flavours and Emily's Cooking (Makan2) Foray
Theme for August 2018 : Cooking With Spice!