My aunt made these every summer when zucchini took over her garden. Just 4 ingredients. They vanish before they even cool down.

Every July, when the zucchini plants in my aunt’s garden got away from her, these four-ingredient fritter patties showed up on the table. She’d stand at the stove in her farmhouse kitchen, frying batch after batch while the cousins hovered with forks, snatching them up so fast they never had a chance to cool. They’re simple, low carb, and practical—just zucchini, eggs, cheese, and a bit of low-carb binder—yet they taste like summer on a plate. If your garden (or your neighbor’s) is overflowing, this is the kind of no-fuss recipe you’ll come back to year after year.

Serve these warm fritter patties on a plain white plate so their golden brown edges and green zucchini flecks really show. They’re lovely with a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, or just a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of salt. I like them alongside sliced garden tomatoes, a simple green salad, or grilled chicken for a light supper. They also make a nice little breakfast with a fried or poached egg on top, and they reheat well in a skillet to crisp back up if you somehow manage to have any left.

Servings: 4

4 packed cups coarsely shredded zucchini (about 2 medium zucchini)

Shred the zucchini on the large holes of a box grater. You want visible green flecks and some texture, not a fine mush.

Place the shredded zucchini in a colander set over the sink. Sprinkle lightly with salt (if using), toss with your hands, and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out the moisture.

After resting, grab handfuls of the zucchini and squeeze firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as you can. This step is important for crisp fritters. Transfer the squeezed zucchini to a large mixing bowl.

Crack the eggs into the bowl with the zucchini and beat them lightly with a fork, mixing them into the vegetables.

Add the shredded cheese and almond flour to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined and evenly coated. The mixture should be thick and hold together when pressed; if it feels too wet, sprinkle in a bit more almond flour, a tablespoon at a time.

Season the mixture with a little black pepper and more salt if needed, then stir again. Taste a small pinch of the raw mixture if you like (or cook a tiny test patty) to check seasoning.

Heat a large skillet (cast iron if you have it) over medium to medium-high heat. Add enough oil or butter to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.

When the oil is hot and shimmering, scoop about 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture for each fritter and gently pat it into a small, thick patty in your hand. Lay it into the skillet, then gently flatten the top with a spatula so it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat, leaving a little space between patties.

Cook without moving them for 3–4 minutes, until the bottoms are deep golden brown with some light char marks around the edges.

Carefully flip each patty and cook another 3–4 minutes, until the second side is golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the fritters feel set in the center. Adjust the heat as needed so they brown without burning.

Transfer cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to catch any extra oil. They’ll be crisp on the outside and soft inside. Continue cooking the remaining mixture in batches, adding a bit more oil to the pan if it looks dry.

Serve the fritters right away while they’re still hot—they tend to disappear from the plate before they even cool down.

For a little extra flavor, you can stir in a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or dried Italian herbs without changing the spirit of the recipe. If you don’t have almond flour, very finely ground pork rinds can stand in as a low-carb binder; start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed. Different cheeses change the character: cheddar gives a heartier, sharper taste; mozzarella or Monterey Jack melt gently and stay mild; a bit of Parmesan mixed in adds a salty, nutty edge. To bake instead of pan-fry, line a baking sheet with parchment, lightly oil it, scoop and flatten small patties, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping once, until browned on both sides; they won’t be quite as crispy but will still be good. For a more substantial meal, make slightly larger patties and top with a fried egg, or serve them as a low-carb “bun” for a simple grilled burger or turkey patty. Food safety tips: Always wash the zucchini well to remove garden soil. Use clean hands and utensils when squeezing and mixing. Because these patties contain eggs and cheese, cook them until the centers are hot and set, with no visible raw egg. Keep any leftovers refrigerated in a covered container and eat within 3 days; reheat in a skillet or toaster oven until hot all the way through. Discard any patties that have been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.