Zucchini patties with rice and garlic

– **For the Rice:**
– 1 cup white or brown rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
– Salt to taste

### How to Make Zucchini Patties with Rice and Garlic:

This dish is simple to make, and the preparation doesn’t take much time at all. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the delicious **Zucchini Patties with Rice and Garlic**.

#### Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by cooking the rice. In a medium-sized pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rice to the pot and stir it for a minute to toast the grains lightly. Then, add the 2 cups of water or vegetable broth (broth will add extra flavor) and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes (or according to package instructions) until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.

#### Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini Patties
While the rice is cooking, you can begin preparing the zucchini patties.

1. **Grate the Zucchini:** Use a box grater or food processor to grate the zucchinis. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is important, as too much moisture will make the patties soggy.

2. **Make the Patty Mixture:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan (if using), egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined. The mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape, but if it feels too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs.

3. **Form the Patties:** Shape the zucchini mixture into small patties (about 2-3 inches in diameter) with your hands. Make sure they are compact so they don’t fall apart during cooking.

#### Step 3: Fry the Zucchini Patties
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the zucchini patties, cooking them in batches if necessary. Fry each patty for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to gently flip them to avoid breaking. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

#### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
To serve, place a generous scoop of the cooked rice on a plate, then top with the crispy zucchini patties. You can drizzle a little extra olive oil over the patties for added richness or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for color and flavor.

If desired, you can also serve the patties with a side of tzatziki sauce or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.

### Tips for Making the Best Zucchini Patties:

1. **Use Fresh Zucchini:** For the best flavor and texture, try to use fresh, firm zucchinis. If they’re too soft or watery, they may result in soggy patties.

2. **Adjust the Seasonings:** Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the patty mixture. Fresh dill, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add depth of flavor.

3. **Try Baking Instead of Frying:** For a lighter version, you can bake the patties. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This gives you a crispy exterior without the extra oil.

4. **Add Extra Veggies:** You can customize the patties by adding other vegetables like finely grated carrots or onions for extra flavor and nutrition.

5. **Leftovers:** If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the patties in a skillet or oven to bring back their crispy texture.

### Why This Dish is Perfect for All Occasions:

**Zucchini Patties with Rice and Garlic** is perfect for a variety of occasions. It can serve as a quick weeknight dinner or even a packed lunch. It’s also great for potlucks or gatherings where you want to impress with a delicious, homemade dish that’s also vegetarian-friendly.

The combination of rice and crispy patties is filling and comforting, while the garlic adds a savory kick that enhances the flavors of the dish. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

### Final Thoughts:

**Zucchini Patties with Rice and Garlic** is a delightful and nutritious meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. With the lightness of the zucchini patties paired with the richness of garlic-infused rice, it’s a perfect balance of taste and texture. Plus, it’s a great way to get more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Whether you’re a fan of zucchini or just looking for a tasty new way to enjoy it, this dish is a must-try. It’s healthy, versatile, and sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious!