Zucchini Wild Rice Patties

Very pretty as appetizers, Zucchini Wild Rice Patties are also a tasty sandwich stuffer.  Today is the American Primitive painter Grandma Moses' Day (her birthday) and I feel sure she would have liked the pattern of dark wild rice grains against the light green background the zucchini contributes. 

I saw this recipe and set it aside about a year ago and now that fresh zucchini are abundant could not find it.  This is my recreation using cooked and cooled wild rice, grated raw zucchini and some herbs mixed in a light batter.  It is a pretty standard potato pancake preparation.

Zucchini Wild Rice Patties
Yield: 18-20 small patties

Ingredients
2 cups cooked (and cooled) wild rice
1 medium zucchini, grated on wide holes
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, using small holes of grater
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried dill  (1 tablespoon fresh)
black pepper to taste
1 egg

Method
Mix wild rice, grated zucchini and cheese together in a large bowl.  Stir in flour, salt, dill and pepper.  When thoroughly mixed, add egg and stir with a fork until mixture is just moistened.  In a large non-stick skillet heat a small amount of vegetable oil—just enough to skim the surface-- over medium-high heat.  When the oil is hot carefully place tablespoon-sized dollops of the batter in the pan.  It should fit 4-5 small patties.  It is important to keep the patties small, about 2 inches in diameter, in order for them to cook through and create a crisp exterior with a fully cooked interior.  Cook 1 minute then flip.  Cooked side should be slightly browned and feel firm under the spatula.  If it is too wobbly to flip, wait another 15 seconds and try again. Cook another 1 minute on the second side.  Remove and drain in a paper towel-lined plate.  Continue to cook patties until all the batter is used.  Patties can be cooked ahead of time and reheated in a 325˚F oven for 10-12 minutes or served immediately.  Reheating is not absolutely necessary.  They are quite tasty served cold in a pita pocket with some salad stuffed in alongside.

For a look at some of Grandma Moses’ works go to Wiki Paintings where you can see her paintings in chronological order.  http://www.wikipaintings.org/en/grandma-moses/catching-the-thanksgiving-turkey-194