Crispy Broccoli Parmesan Fritters

Most of us know that broccoli is a healthy option when it comes to choosing different food items to put on our plate. But do you know why it is considered a powerhouse of nutrition? As we continue through the color wheel, let’s focus on this all-star green food.

Not only is broccoli low in calories, but it contains many essential vitamins and minerals that our body desperately needs. Just one cup of cooked broccoli contains as much vitamin C as an orange, which helps build collagen, form body tissue and bone, and helps our cuts and wounds heal. Broccoli is also a good source of several B vitamins, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and vitamin K. Each of these vitamins and minerals are a vital part of a properly functioning body.

For diabetics, broccoli is a powerhouse because of its fiber. Dietary fiber can also help lower your risk of diabetes because it actually slows down the absorption of carbohydrates. Our bodies can’t break down fiber, but it still tries, which slows digestion and allows the glucose (digested carbohyrates) to enter our bloodstream at a slower pace. In fact, the more fiber a food naturally has, the smaller the impact it has on your blood sugars. Fiber is a necessary part of any diet, not just diabetic diets, because as fiber slows digestion it keeps you full longer. And when we are full longer, we tend to eat less!

Today, we have a recipe for broccoli parmesan fritters that even your kids will love! What’s even better is that you can substitute the almond flour for wheat flour, which provides you with a gluten free option. These tasty, baked-not-fried fritters are a great way to deliciously stash veggies for not only your children, but adults as well.

Crispy Broccoli Parmesan Fritters

Ingredients:

1 large head, fresh broccoli (or a bag of florets)

1 large egg

½ an onion

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/3 cup shaved Parmesan cheese 

1/3 cup flour (can substitute almond flour for a lower carb option)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Olive oil

Directions 

1) Chop the broccoli into florets. Discard the hard middle stem, but chop the softer stems. Place the broccoli and stem pieces in a food processor and pulse a few times until the broccoli is chopped.

2) Add in the eggs, onion, garlic, flour, and Parmesan. Pulse again a couple of times until well combined (about 5 seconds of pulsing). Stir the salt and pepper through the mixture.

3) Form 8-10 fritters on the prepared baking sheets, making sure the fritters do not touch each other.

4) Pan fry in a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden on both sides.

5) Allow fritters to cool slightly before serving. Serve with ketchup, Greek yogurt, or fat free sour cream.