ZUCCHINI FRITTER BENEDICT (VEGETARIAN)

Zucchini Fritter Benedict (Vegetarian) image

This delicious vegetarian spin on eggs benedict pairs poached eggs with savory zucchini fritters and a lemony creme fraiche sauce.

Provided by Hilarie Burton

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 22

Ingredients

1 pound zucchini, trimmed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup creme fraiche
1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 eggs, beaten
¼ cup chopped scallions
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 lemon, zested
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons canola oil
4 eggs
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
salt to taste
3 chives, chopped
1 pinch paprika

Steps:

Grate zucchini over the large holes of a box grater. Transfer to a fine-mesh strainer. Mix in 1 teaspoon salt. Set strainer over a bowl and let drain, about 10 minutes.
Whisk creme fraiche, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and hot sauce together in a bowl. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest. Place sauce in the refrigerator.
Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini using a clean dish towel. Measure 2 cups grated zucchini into a bowl. Mix in eggs, scallions, thyme, and zest of 1 lemon.
Combine flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. Fold gently into the zucchini mixture until a batter forms.
Preheat oven to 200 degrees F (95 degrees C).
Heat canola oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Drop 2 tablespoons zucchini batter into the skillet; flatten with the back of the spoon. Cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to an oven-proof plate. Place in the warm oven. Repeat with remaining batter to make 3 more fritters.
Fill a large saucepan with 2 to 3 inches of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, pour in rice vinegar, and keep the water at a gentle simmer. Crack each egg into a small ramekin or bowl. Slip eggs into the hot water one at a time while whisking the water. Cook until the whites are firm and the yolks have thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove eggs from the water with a slotted spoon and dab on a kitchen towel to dry.
Place 1 poached egg over each zucchini fritter. Drizzle sauce on top. Garnish with chopped chives and paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 378.7 calories, Carbohydrate 19.5 g, Cholesterol 321 mg, Fat 28.8 g, Fiber 2.3 g, Protein 13.8 g, SaturatedFat 10.5 g, Sodium 1029.6 mg, Sugar 4.1 g