Keeping with the theme of having veggies as much as possible, I made zucchini cakes for breakfast this morning. Then it dawned on me. How good this zucchini cakes recipe would be for a party appetizer, lunch snack or even side dish for dinner.
I find it unique to serve at gatherings because we’ve all seen those spinach balls at parties. Well, this vegan zucchini cakes recipe is healthier and tastier, if you ask me! And, I feel your guests would really appreciate something different to snack on.
Easy Peasy Zucchini Cakes
Simple ingredients, quick prep, and easy to prepare, this recipe for zucchini cakes are a delicate and delightful dish for any occasion.
Recipes often call for squeezing the zucchini to get rid of the water after grating, but it’s not necessary with the addition of flour. Water from the vegetable actually helps make the batter.
The addition of chickpeas in this recipe ups your plant-based protein and is a great substitute for eggs. They’re also packed with nutrients and offer many health benefits, such as weight control, lowering blood sugar, and aiding digestion. These are going to be some healthy zucchini cakes.
If you’re not a fan of onion or just want to add some color and extra veggies, add a bit of shredded carrots.
Check out a few more recipes to use your veggies in an unconventional way:
This video is a great tutorial on how to grate your zucchini. You can forgo the salt and water drain but it’s an option.
The flaxseed and water mixture is also used as a combining agent. Mix the two and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes. Not only that, they are loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
A great way to amp up the flavor of these shredded zucchini cakes is to throw in fresh herbs like tarragon, dill, or even cilantro. If you want to keep your prep simple season it up with Bragg’s Organic Sprinkle or Sea Kelp Seasoning.
Lemon zest adds a freshness to these Zucchini Cakes that is perfect for spring and summer months.
If you’re not sure how to zest a lemon, watch this video. It’s tricky because while the lemon zest is wonderful, the white part below the skin is very bitter. So be careful when zesting for any recipe.
Plant-based zucchini recipes are a great addition to your meal plans. Try one of mine, such as Zucchini, Tomato Lasagna, Zucchini Banana Pancakes, or Zucchini Soup with Pesto.
How to Make Zucchini Cakes
Combine the zucchini, chickpeas, and red onion in a bowl. Then, add the dry ingredients, flax mix, and salt (optional) and mix until well blended. Each cake is about 2-3 tablespoons, and this recipe should make about 8 cakes.
Try a spoonful of my Mango Salsa, a dollop of plain yogurt, or even a drizzle of maple syrup with fresh lemon squeezed on top to add an additional burst of flavor to these Zucchini Cakes.
This is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below for these Easy Zucchini Cakes! If you have a photo, post it on my Facebook page, tag me using the hashtag #plantbasedcooking
Easy Zucchini Cakes
Equipment
- Food Processor optional
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds plus 3 Tbl water
- 2 medium zucchini grated
- 1/3 (15-oz.) can no salt added chickpeas drained, rinsed and mashed (or use a food processor, but keep some larger bits)
- 2 tbsp red onion grated
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 3 tbsp chickpea flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- mango salsa homemade or store-bought
Instructions
- Combine the flax meal and 3 tablespoons water in a small bowl and let rest for about 10 minutes.
- Add zucchini, chickpeas and red onion to a bowl.
- Add the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, flax mixture, and salt. Mix until well blended.
- Spray pan with cooking spray and add about 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture, flattening to make level.
- Cook each side for about 2 minutes.
- Serve with chutney or mango salsa and add a squeeze of lemon, if you like.
I don’t see the instructions on what to do with the flaxseed mixture and what to do with that?
Thanks for bringing that to my attention. Add the soaked flax to the other ingredients in step 3. I’ve updated the recipe.
Please let me know how much 1 serving is – 100 g or 1 piece?
A serving is 1/4 of the recipe which, depending on how big you make them, is about 2 zucchini cakes.
Is the nutrition info based on one cake or one serving? What would you consider a serving. I yielded 8 cakes about 2.5” diameter from this recipe
Hey Lacey, I don’t have the original nutrition calculation but I usually figure it by the serving and since this is for 4 people and you get 8 cakes, the nutrition should be for 2 cakes. And, it doesn’t include the mango salsa. I’ll double-check when I have a chance.
Can you use chickpea flour for the 3 tablespoons of flour? Also, how much is 1/3 can of chickpeas, approximately? Would that be 1/2 cup prior to mashing?
Hey Rita, I haven’t tried chickpea flour but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. And 1/3 can of chickpeas is a 2/3 cup. I hope that helps.
How many cups of grated zucchini equals 2 zucchini? They vary in size.
Hey Barbara, I’ll be checking the recipe tonight and get back to you. Thanks for your question.
Hey Barbara, there are about 3 cups of lightly packed grated zucchini in 2 medium-sized zucchini. I hope that helps.
The link for homemade mango salsa no longer works — it takes me to an Amazon search for soy sauce.
Thanks for letting me know. 🙂 I’ve updated the link, but here it is, as well…Mango Salsa. Scroll down the page to the salsa recipe.