Cabbage Fritters with Yogurt-Dill Sauce 🥗

These crispy and savory cabbage fritters are packed with flavor and texture, and paired with a refreshing yogurt-dill sauce that complements the fritters perfectly. The fritters are crispy on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, making them a fantastic appetizer, snack, or side dish. The yogurt-dill sauce is light, tangy, and creamy, offering a refreshing contrast to the crispy fritters. Whether you’re serving them as a quick meal or a party snack, these fritters are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• 500 g cabbage (shredded)
  Cabbage is the star ingredient in this dish, providing a wonderful crunch and mild flavor. It’s best to shred the cabbage finely so that it mixes well with the other ingredients.
• 2 onions, finely chopped
  The onions add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the fritters. Chop them finely so they blend into the mixture.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  Garlic adds a savory, aromatic note that enhances the flavor profile of the fritters.
• 3 eggs
  The eggs help bind all the ingredients together, ensuring that the fritters hold their shape during frying.
• 4 tablespoons flour (60 g)
  Flour is needed to give the fritters structure. It also helps absorb any excess moisture from the cabbage, making the fritters crispier.
• 1 teaspoon salt (8 g)
  Salt is essential to bring out the natural flavors of the cabbage and season the fritters.
• 1 teaspoon ground red pepper (4 g)
  The red pepper gives a subtle heat to the fritters, making them more flavorful. You can adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (4 g)
  Black pepper adds a mild, aromatic heat and balances the flavors of the fritters.
• Vegetable oil for frying
  Vegetable oil is used to fry the fritters to a golden, crispy texture. It’s best to use oil with a high smoking point, such as sunflower or canola oil.

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons yogurt (75 g)
  A creamy, tangy yogurt forms the base of the sauce. It balances the flavors of the fritters while providing a cooling effect.
• 2 sprigs dill, chopped
  Fresh dill is a classic herb used in many Mediterranean and Eastern European dishes. Its unique flavor is perfect for this yogurt sauce, giving it a fresh and aromatic twist.
• 1 cucumber, grated
  Grated cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to the sauce. It also helps thicken the sauce while complementing the coolness of the yogurt.
• Red powdered pepper, to taste
  A pinch of red pepper adds a mild heat to the sauce, giving it a little extra kick. You can omit this if you prefer a milder sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Mixture

Start by preparing your cabbage. Use a sharp knife or mandolin to shred the cabbage into thin strips. Aim for a fine shred so that the cabbage integrates well with the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, chopped onions, and minced garlic. The combination of cabbage and onions creates a fantastic base for the fritters, adding both crunch and flavor.

Next, crack 3 eggs into the bowl and stir them in. The eggs will help hold the fritter mixture together, giving it structure. Add the flour, salt, ground red pepper, and black pepper. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined, and you have a cohesive dough-like mixture. The flour will help absorb the moisture from the cabbage and keep the fritters crispy when frying.

Step 2: Fry the Fritters

Now it’s time to cook the fritters! Heat about 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small spoonful of the cabbage mixture into the pan—if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

Using a spoon, scoop out a portion of the cabbage mixture and form it into a small pancake-like shape. Gently place it into the hot oil and flatten it slightly with the back of the spoon. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the fritters to steam rather than fry. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Flip them carefully with a spatula to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

Continue frying in batches until all the fritters are cooked. As you cook, you may need to add more oil to the pan to keep it evenly coated.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the fritters are frying, you can prepare the yogurt-dill sauce. In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, chopped dill, and grated cucumber. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly mixed. The yogurt provides a creamy, tangy base, while the cucumber adds freshness and crunch to the sauce. Add a pinch of red powdered pepper for a little heat, or omit it if you prefer a milder sauce.

Once the fritters are cooked and drained on paper towels to remove excess oil, transfer them to a serving platter. Spoon a generous amount of the yogurt-dill sauce on top of the fritters or serve the sauce on the side as a dipping option.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the fritters hot and crispy with the refreshing yogurt-dill sauce. The coolness of the sauce contrasts beautifully with the warm, crispy fritters, making it a delightful dish to enjoy. You can garnish with a few extra sprigs of dill for added freshness and decoration.

Tips & Variations

• Additional Veggies: You can experiment by adding other vegetables to the fritter mixture. Try grated carrots, zucchini, or even a handful of spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture from the vegetables before adding them to the mixture.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have dill or prefer other flavors, you can try parsley, mint, or thyme in the sauce. These herbs will give the sauce a different but equally delicious taste.
• Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) or a chia egg (1 tablespoon chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons water). You can also swap the yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt made from coconut, almond, or soy.
• Make-Ahead Tip: The fritters can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in a hot pan for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture. The sauce can also be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love These Cabbage Fritters

• Crispy & Savory: The fritters have a golden, crispy crust while remaining tender on the inside.
• Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning and ingredients based on what you have at hand, making it an incredibly flexible recipe.
• Healthy & Delicious: Packed with vegetables and paired with a yogurt-based sauce, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack for any occasion!

These Cabbage Fritters with Yogurt-Dill Sauce are a perfect combination of crispy, savory, and refreshing flavors. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to please anyone at your table!