Mücver – Turkish Zucchini Fritters

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Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, Mücver is a classic Turkish zucchini fritters recipe that’s ready in 30 minutes. This recipe calls for fresh zucchini, dill, parsley, and green onions, creating a perfect balance of earthy and herbaceous notes.

a top view of a large plate of Turkish zucchini fritters mucver served with a dollop of yogurt and cherry tomatoes


 

Made with simple ingredients and pan-fried to golden perfection, Mücver is a quick and easy way to elevate your meals. Enjoy them as a snack, a side dish, or even a light vegetarian main course, paired with creamy garlic yogurt for a truly irresistible combination.

I love zucchini and many Turkish and Mediterranean recipes call for it. This delicious zucchini fritters recipe is one of the common dishes you can find in Turkey alongside Turkish Ezme, Turkish PideLahmacun, and Piyaz (Turkish White Bean Salad). Similar to Turkish leeks, these light fritters are usually served with some yogurt on top or with some Cacik (Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber) on the side.

Turkey trip photo

What Is Mücver?

Mücver, pronounced “mooj-VEHR,” also known as Turkish courgette fritters or zucchini fritters are delicious vegetarian fritters. These fritters are very economical and combine the humble zucchini with a medley of fresh herbs and simple spices.

Mucver holds a special place in Turkish cuisine as a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or a light vegetarian main course. These fritters are known for their crispy exterior, tender interior, and the vibrant flavors imparted by fresh dill, parsley, and green onions.

Just like my delicious Cauliflower Fritters, these Mediterranean zucchini fritters are perfect for summer and would be perfect as part of a vegetarian lunch with some Turkish Vegan Red Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köftesi).


Ingredients

To make zucchini fritters you need zucchinis, green onion, parsley, dill, eggs, flour and Aleppo pepper.

Zucchini: Green zucchini works best for this recipe, especially in summer. I have used kousa (Mexican squash) for this recipe and it works very well.

Green Onions: They add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the zucchini’s subtle sweetness. You can use chives or finely diced shallots instead.

All-Purpose Flour: It gives structure to the fritters, helping them hold their shape when fried. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free blend.

Eggs: Room temperature eggs bind the ingredients together. For a vegan option, use a flaxseed egg instead.

Herbs: You need fresh dill and parsley for this recipe.

Spices: You need salt, pepper, and Aleppo pepper which is a type of red pepper flakes that’s available online or at Mediterranean shops.

Olive Oil: It lends a mild fruity flavor to the fritters while helping them crisp up beautifully. Use vegetable oil for a neutral flavor or ghee for a richer, buttery taste.


How To Make Mücver

grate the zucchini, add all the herbs, add eggs, mix in the spices and flour then fry them.

Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini:

Peel the zucchini and grate them into a large bowl. Squeeze out the excess liquid very hard using your hands. You can get rid of the excess liquid by squeezing the zucchini through a cheesecloth as well.

Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs:

Mix in the chopped green onions, dill, and parsley until evenly combined.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs:

Crack the eggs into the mixture and stir thoroughly to bind the ingredients.

Step 4: Combine with Dry Ingredients:

Add the flour, Aleppo pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well until a cohesive batter forms.

Step 5: Fry the Fritters:

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drop 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan, flatten slightly, and fry for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer fried fritters to a plate lined with a paper towel to get rid of the excess oil.

Kitchen Tip

I usually fry one fritter first as a tester before cooking the full batch to ensure the flavors are on point and the texture is not too soft. Then I continue with the remaining batter to fry all the fritters.

Serving Suggestions

You can enjoy mucver as a nice appetizer or mezze with a side of plain or garlic yogurt which perfectly complements the fritters’ herby flavors.

Also you can turn them into a delicious Mediterranean sandwich by stuffing them into a homemade pita or make a wrap using lavash with some tomatoes, pickles, lettuce and some homemade yogurt

Consider serving them alongside grilled meats, such as Kofta Kebabs or Chicken Skewers, or with a vibrant Mediterranean Salad or Turkish Tomato Salad for a refreshing contrast.

For a complete Mediterranean-inspired feast, add dips like Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, or Muhammara to the table.

A stack of mucver with yogurt on top.

Variations

Add Carrots: Some Turkish recipes call for 1 grated carrot as well. You can add the grated carrot to the grated zucchini and squeeze all to ensure no excess liquid is left. Carrot adds a hint of natural sweetness and a pop of color to the fritters while keeping them crispy and delicious.

Include Cheese: Add crumbled feta cheese or shredded halloumi for a creamy, salty twist. This variation is especially popular in some Turkish regions and pairs wonderfully with the herbs.

Spice It Up: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of ground cumin, smoked paprika, or chili flakes. These spices add a deeper and slightly smoky flavor to the fritters.

Experiment with Fresh Herbs: Replace parsley or dill with fresh mint, cilantro, or chives for a different herbal taste. Each herb brings a distinct flavor profile to mucver.

Incorporate Other Veggies: Try grated sweet potatoes, beets, or spinach for a unique twist. Combine these with zucchini or let them shine on their own.

Recipe Tips

Squeeze the Zucchini Thoroughly: To achieve crispy fritters, squeeze the grated zucchini hard using a cheesecloth and discard the excess water for the best results. Place grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let it drain for 10 minutes.

Make Them Uniform: Use a small ice cream scoop or a measuring spoon to portion out the batter for evenly sized fritters. This ensures consistent cooking.

Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the fritters may burn; if it’s too cool, the fritters will absorb excess oil.

Prevent Sticking: Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and facilitate flipping.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the fritters in small batches. It’s important to give the fritters enough space to fry and also be able to flip them to develop a crispy, golden crust. Overcrowded pan will result in soggy fritters.

Healthier Option: If frying isn’t your preference, bake or air fry mucver for a healthier alternative. Brush lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.

How to Store Mucver

Refrigeration: Place mucver leftovers in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tip: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a teaspoon of olive oil to restore crispiness. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes, but place fritters on a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep them crispy and avoid any sogginess from trapped steam.

Freezing: Let the fritters cool at room temperature and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for one hour until they are solid. Transfer the frozen fritters to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, take them out of the bag and let them thaw. Then fry them lightly in some oil to heat them through and have them crisp up.

Can I make mucver ahead of time?

Yes, you can make mucver ahead of time and simply reheat them in a hot pan with a bit of oil right before serving. I don’t recommend making the fritter batter ahead of time since the zucchinis will release more water.


Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my zucchini fritters falling apart?

This could happen for a few reasons such as not having enough eggs in the mixture or the zucchini still containing too much liquid. Always try with one zucchini fritter and if that falls apart, then add a tablespoon of flour and try again.

What is the key to keeping Mucver fritters crispy?

The key is to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated zucchini before mixing the batter. This prevents soggy fritters and helps them stay crispy during frying.

Can I bake mucver instead of frying them?

Yes. Make the batter as instructed and preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray and transfer the batter to the pan. Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until fully cooked. Let it cool at room temperature then slice it into squares. 

Is it okay to skip the fresh herbs?

While fresh herbs like dill and parsley add authentic flavor, you can substitute them with dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available.

a large plate of Turkish zucchini fritters mucver served with a dollop of yogurt and cherry tomatoes

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Overhead shot of mucver Turkish zucchini Fritters.
5 from 13 votes

Mücver – Turkish Zucchini Fritters

Mucver or zucchini fritters is a classic Turkish dish that's ready in 30 minutes. This recipe calls for fresh zucchini and herbs and it's very simple to make. 
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 3 zucchinis, peeled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 4 green onions, chopped
  • ¾ cup fresh dill, chopped
  • ½ cup parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon Aleppo pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Instructions 

  • Grate the zucchinis in a large bowl and squeeze them very hard. Discard all the excess liquid.
  • Mix in the eggs, flour, green onions, dill and parsley.
  • Add in the spices and mix well.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat, pour 2 tablespoons of the batter into the pan and fry for about 5 minutes on one side. Flip and fry for 3 minutes on the other side.
  • Try the fritter to make sure it has the right amount of spices. If so, proceed with the remaining batter. Add more olive oil if needed.
  • Serve with plain or garlic yogurt on the side and some bread.

Video

Notes

  • Squeeze the Zucchini Thoroughly: To achieve crispy fritters, squeeze the grated zucchini hard using a cheesecloth and discard the excess water for the best results. Place grated zucchini in a colander, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let it drain for 10 minutes.
  • Make Them Uniform: Use a small ice cream scoop or a measuring spoon to portion out the batter for evenly sized fritters. This ensures consistent cooking.
  • Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the fritters may burn; if it’s too cool, the fritters will absorb excess oil.
  • Prevent Sticking: Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to prevent sticking and facilitate flipping.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the fritters in small batches. It’s important to give the fritters enough space to fry and also be able to flip them to develop a crispy, golden crust. Overcrowded pan will result in soggy fritters.
  • Healthier Option: If frying isn’t your preference, bake or air fry mucver for a healthier alternative. Brush lightly with olive oil for a golden finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 354mg | Potassium: 570mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1935IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

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