Looks tasty, huh? You’ve got all my favorite things – fried, crispy, greasy treats and a creamy cool dip for dunking. This recipe is from Veganomicon and it was….pretty good.
Yes, only pretty good. I know, I know, it was the first time I’ve ever been anything less than blown away by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. Now, don’t get me wrong, this whole meal was yummy and tasty, but just not as spectacularly awesome as I’ve come to expect from her dishes.
The fritters are filled with zucchini, tomatoes and tofu, with a hint of fresh mint and dill. They are coated in bread crumbs and fried and the result is a tasty but VERY delicate fritter. Maybe I didn’t squeeze all the moisture out of the veggies first because mine were super fragile. And very greasy. Almost too greasy. And for me to say that is incredibly unusual. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever said that in my life. I LOVE grease, I consider it one of the main food groups.
The dip was yummy, a lighter than usual take on nut based dips. But to be honest, it wasn’t awe inspiring, or even unique or delicious enough to make again. I would be more than happy with hummus or moutabel in its place.
Also, for some reason it felt like making the fritters and the dip took a really long time, it was a very involved process, and my kitchen was trashed at the end of the process. I’m not scared of spending time in the kitchen, but this just seemed excessive given the lackluster results.
So. Sorry about that, I feel almost guilty for giving a less than glowing review for a cookbook of which I usually sing the praises. But, if this is the worst Veganomicon has to offer then it really is the best cookbook ever, because even this was….pretty good.
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ohman, we’ve been getting zucchini from our CSA these days! I need to look this recipe up!
Ohwait – haha I’d only looked at the pictures when I posted that first comment. Hmmmm – I’ve made zucchini cakes before that came out well, but I think it was just zucchini, panko, and flax meal/water. It was yummy topped with Cucumber Ranch, if they have that there, but I’m sure you could whip up a creamy tahini dressing instead!
I am a big big fan of Veganomicon! Girl can do no wrong! I’ve made these before and had the same opinion – lot of work for not such a big return. But I could never never hold it against her – I am a true follower! Love your pictures of it though – almost makes me want to try them again!
That is exactly how I feel! I’m not sure anything could make me less enamored with Ms. Moskowitz. She is, after all, the creator of my most favorite vegan dishes. Tofu omelet, anyone?
it was bound to happen someday that Isa might strike out. But like you say — if the worst recipe is still pretty good, that’s not too bad
I’ve made some zucchini cakes before with a modified recipe by Deborah Madison, and they were AWESOME. Her books are really lovely (she’s veggie, but has loads of vegan recipes in her books). Too bad about these, especially if they left you with a mess, but I appreciate the honest review!
Thanks! Lucky for me it wasn’t my mess, since Cody does the dishes it was his! Hee hee!
It looks good but I think I can see what you mean about it being too greasy. Pretty pictures though.
well it looks amazing even if it didn’t quite meet your expectations! i need that cookbook in my life
Yes you do! Veganomicon is the best, it is packed with awesomeness.
Wow even if you didn’t think they turned out that great, the photos certainly look like it did. Now I feel hungry
IT is REALLY refreshing to read such honest reviews. Thank you for all those looking for honsety in todays world.
But I still think they look and sound like something I would really like.
“I LOVE grease, I consider it one of the main food groups.”–LOL Good one!! bhawwwwhhhh!!!! (that’s my laughing sound)
The V’Con. I do not own it. I have about a dozen others, but not it. I havent bought it b/c I thought that maybe it would be too gluten-containing or not that much raw stuff…which I am not a puritan by any means but one of my issues with ED & BV is that it’s got too much gluten and too much roasting.
And I loathe recipes that take tons of time for lackluster results or just “okay” results. God I hate that. I hear you girl!
It’s true! A good life motto is: the greasier the better! I judge good street sambusa from the amount of grease that manages to seep through the paper bag in the time it takes to get it home. If the bag goes see through, you know you’ve hit the jackpot!
Those fritters look absolutely divine! I’m going to have to give that recipe a whirl as soon as zucchinis are ripe this summer!
This looks great and making me look forward to our zucchini season even more. I’m a huge fan of cashew-based dips.
Oh good gracious. This looks AMAZING, Tasha! Expect to see a rawification soon
your recipes never cease to amaze me!! This looks awesome
Oh my goodness – that looks amazing
I love crispy/ fried texture with gooey in the center 
yum!
salt the zucchini like eggplant and it helps with moisture issues. I mandoline mine then salt it and let it dry on paper towels for a half hour.
Oooh great tip! Thank you!
I’ve made both of those recipes, and I know exactly what you mean! The people I served them to thought they were great, but I was a little so-so. I wasn’t sure if it was the tofu in the cakes or what exactly I didn’t love. Maybe they weren’t my thing, but reading that you had the same experience makes me feel better. I always feel guilty when I’m not in love with a recipe, especially when I love the recipe author so much!
At least the photos are beautiful! I haven’t tried this dish, but thanks for the review!
How have I never noticed those in Vcon?! They look great!