Zucchini Patties

Lets get real. My husband hasn’t had a day off in so long that I’ve lost track. It’s funny, because he works at home, so he’s here, but not here, if that makes any sense. Yet, somehow he appears fine. I mean, I’m sure he wants a day off, and we all can’t wait for that to happen, but he’s not like loosing it the way that I do when I work on a cookbook for weeks without a day off. Can you say dark chocolate and red wine? Please and thank you.

Then on Saturday we noticed that the tile in the bedroom hallway was warm. Like really warm. And let me tell you, that never happens. The tiles in this house are always cold, even in the summer. Freaky, right? Then on Sunday we opened the door to the garage and it was flooding. Ack! My clever husband quickly figured out that there was a hot water leak under the concrete slab foundation (causing the fabulously warm hallway tiles) and shut off the hot water. I didn’t even know that they put pipes in the ground under a concrete foundation. Well, that’s about a million times better than a leak in the wall in my opinion. At least there’s no worry of wood getting mold.

The plumber came on Monday afternoon, and after checking everything out explained what Andy had already figured out. The bad news: they can’t do the work to fix it until tomorrow. Please tell me that putting in a new pipe (in the wall this time) only takes one day. I’ll let you know…

In the meantime we’ve been heating water on the stove for the bathtub, and boiling water in the kettle to wash the dishes. Because we can’t afford to stop cooking and eat all of our meals out. (Told you I was getting real 🙂 ) But I’m actually not frustrated by any of this. Contrary to how this might sound, it is not a rant. I’m grateful that Andy has work, and not having hot water has made me realize how much I take for granted. Hot water, yes. Also plumbing, electricity, my car, my grocery stores. Nothing like playing Little House on the Prairie in my kitchen and bathroom for a few days to make me feel SO grateful for all that I have.

(pictured with Jackson’s Honest Chips)

These Zucchini Patties are based on the Zucchini Lime Cilantro Pie in my book, Easy Paleo Meals. You can play with using different herbs and spices, but don’t skip steaming and squeezing the zucchini—it’s crucial for patties that don’t fall apart 🙂

Zucchini Patties

gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free

8 cups spiral-sliced OR grated unpeeled green or yellow zucchini (about 6 whole zucchini)
3/4 cup almond or cashew flour (1/4 cup coconut flour might also work, but I haven’t tested it)
1/4 cup arrowroot or tapioca flour
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro, optional
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed lime juice
2 eggs
ghee or avocado oil for frying

1. Steam the zucchini noodles in a steamer pot until wilted and tender, about 10 minutes. Turn the hot noodles over onto a plate covered with a clean, dry kitchen towel and place it in the freezer to cool the noodles.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flours, cilantro, salt, cumin, and garlic powder with a whisk.
3. When the noodles are cool enough to handle, remove them from the freezer and squeeze them in the towel to remove as much moisture as possible. Add the noodles, lime juice, and eggs to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
4. Place a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ghee or avocado oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the pan. Drop the zucchini mixture in the pan and use a fork to spread it out to the desired size and thickness. (You can make any size patties that you like.)
5. When the bottom is nicely browned, flip them over and brown the second side.
6. Enjoy them as they are (I like to pour olive oil over mine) or use them as burger buns.

Makes 6 to 8 patties.

♥, Kelly