Veggie Pancakes

4.8(878 reviews)

Savory pancakes made from grated zucchini, carrots, and herbs — somewhere between a fritter and a pancake. Crispy edges, tender centers, and a stack of these with sour cream and chives is one of the best ways to eat your vegetables.

Prep Time

12 min

🔥

Cook Time

25 min

🍽

Servings

4

Calories

288 cal

Jump to Recipe
Veggie Pancakes — homemade International vegetarian recipe with flour, carrot, bell pepper, 4 servings, ready in 37 minutes
Vegetarian
Medium

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Smart Servings Scaler

servings
  • Flour2 cups
  • Carrot1 medium
  • Bell Pepper1
  • Onion1 medium
  • Eggs2
  • Milk1 cup
  • Sugar½ cup
  • Butter¼ cup
  • Baking Powder1 tsp

All quantities scaled automatically from 4 servings.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings · Use the Servings Scaler above to adjust

  • Flour2 cups
  • Carrot1 medium
  • Bell Pepper1
  • Onion1 medium
  • Eggs2
  • Milk1 cup
  • Sugar0.5 cup
  • Butter0.25 cup
  • Baking Powder1 tsp

Instructions

  1. 1

    Coarsely grate 2 medium zucchini and 2 medium carrots. Transfer to a colander, toss with 1 teaspoon salt, and let sit for 15 minutes — the salt draws out water that would otherwise make the pancakes soggy.

  2. 2

    Squeeze the salted vegetables in a clean kitchen towel — really squeeze, until almost no liquid drips out. You'll be amazed how much comes off. This step is the difference between crisp veggie pancakes and a sad wet mess.

  3. 3

    Transfer the squeezed vegetables to a large bowl. Add 2 beaten eggs, ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 3 chopped scallions, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and a handful of chopped fresh dill or parsley.

  4. 4

    Mix gently — the batter should hold together loosely when you scoop a heaping tablespoon. If too wet, add another tablespoon of flour. If too dry, a splash of milk.

  5. 5

    Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Drop heaping tablespoons of the mixture into the pan, flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Don't crowd — cook 3-4 at a time.

  6. 6

    Cook 3 minutes per side until deeply golden brown and crispy on the edges. Transfer to a wire rack while you cook the rest. Serve hot with sour cream, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

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💡 Expert Tips

  • 1.Salt and squeeze. This is non-negotiable. Wet vegetables produce wet pancakes that won't crisp. Salt draws water, then physical squeezing removes it.
  • 2.Don't overcrowd the pan. Crowded pancakes steam instead of fry. Cook in batches and keep finished ones warm in a 200°F oven on a wire rack.
  • 3.Wire rack, not paper towels. Paper towels trap steam and turn the bottoms soggy. Wire rack lets air circulate.
  • 4.Use Parmesan, not mozzarella. Parmesan adds savory depth without melting and going stringy.

🔬 Why It Works

Vegetable pancakes (also called fritters or rosti) succeed when the vegetable releases its bound water during preparation rather than during cooking. Salting draws water out via osmosis; squeezing removes the freed water. Egg + flour bind what's left into a coherent patty. High-heat pan-frying creates a crispy crust before the inside has time to overcook. Parmesan adds salt and umami; herbs cut through the rich-savory profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these instead?
Yes — 425°F on a parchment-lined sheet, brushed with oil, 18-20 minutes flipping once. Not quite as crispy as pan-fried but much less work and healthier.
What other vegetables can I add?
Grated sweet potato (sub for half the carrot), corn kernels, peas, finely chopped bell pepper, leek. Just keep the total grated vegetable amount the same.
Why are mine falling apart?
Usually too wet (didn't squeeze enough) or not enough binder (need more egg or flour). The batter should hold loose shape on the spatula.
Can I make these ahead?
Cooked pancakes reheat well in a 375°F oven for 5 minutes (re-crisps them). Batter is best cooked fresh — it gets watery if it sits.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings)

Calories288kcal
Protein24g
Carbohydrates18g
Fat9g
Fiber8g
Sugar29g

* Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are estimates.

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