I absolutely love how these Savoury Vegan Pumpkin Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Dip Recipe come together—there’s just something so comforting about the warm spices and tender pumpkin bites that makes you feel right at home. Whether you’re looking for a cozy appetizer, a light lunch, or a fun snack, these fritters hit all the right notes with their crispy edges and soft, flavorful centers.
What makes this Savoury Vegan Pumpkin Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Dip Recipe truly special is the vibrant lemony coconut yogurt dip that adds the perfect tangy contrast. I remember the first time I tried this combo; my family went crazy for it, and honestly, it’s become a staple whenever I want to impress guests or just treat myself to something wholesome yet indulgent.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The subtle curry and paprika spice marry beautifully with the pumpkin’s natural sweetness.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is quick to whip up but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Vegan and Packed with Plant Power: It’s dairy-free and full of veggies, making it a healthy choice everyone can enjoy.
- Versatile Serving: Pair with your favorite meals or enjoy as a snack — it works any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients combine to give you a light, fluffy pumpkin fritter with just the right hint of spice and a fresh, tangy dip that lifts every bite. When shopping, look for firm, fresh pumpkin or any similar squash to keep that perfect texture.
- Pumpkin: Fresh is best for flavor and texture, but you can substitute with butternut or kabocha squash if you prefer.
- Curry Powder: Adds a warm, earthy depth—feel free to adjust to taste if you prefer it milder.
- Fine Sea Salt: Essential for bringing out all the vibrant flavors.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the fritters.
- Green Onions: Fresh and crunchy, they brighten the dish with their mild oniony zing.
- Cilantro: I love the fresh herbaceous note it contributes; it pairs perfectly with the lemon dip.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps bind the fritters while keeping them tender; you may need a little more or less depending on pumpkin moisture.
- Baking Powder: Adds just enough lift to keep the fritters light on the inside.
- Olive Oil: For frying and shaping the fritters—makes the crust beautifully crisp.
- Plain Coconut Yogurt: The base for the lemony dip; pick a smooth, unsweetened option for best results.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dip with refreshing citrus tang.
Variations
I love encouraging folks to make this Savoury Vegan Pumpkin Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Dip Recipe their own—it’s super forgiving and adaptable. Here are a few ways I’ve tweaked it depending on what’s in my pantry or the season.
- Swap the Herb: Instead of cilantro, try fresh parsley or basil for a different but equally fresh flavor profile.
- Add Heat: Toss in a minced chili or sprinkle cayenne to give these fritters a lively kick that my spice-loving friends adore.
- Grain-Free Version: Use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free and add a nutty undertone.
- Seasonal Squash: In winter, I often use kabocha squash—it’s slightly sweeter and richer, which makes the fritters extra comforting.
How to Make Savoury Vegan Pumpkin Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Dip Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Mash the Pumpkin
Start by bringing water to a boil in a medium saucepan and add the chopped pumpkin pieces. Boil until just soft, about 8-10 minutes—you want them tender but not falling apart. Drain and pat the pumpkin really well with kitchen paper, as excess moisture can make the fritters too wet and tricky to shape. I tend to squish them a bit while drying, which helps remove water without sacrificing texture.
Step 2: Mix the Fritter Batter
Now toss the pumpkin back into the saucepan and mash it thoroughly using a stick blender or potato masher until it’s smooth with no big lumps. Next, stir in the curry powder, salt, paprika, green onions, and cilantro so the flavors can meld. Gradually add in the flour and baking powder, stirring gently—the mixture should be sticky yet hold its shape. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour, but don’t overdo it or the fritters could be dense.
Step 3: Shape and Fry the Fritters
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle some olive oil to coat. Here’s a little trick: oil your hands before shaping each fritter to prevent the dough from sticking—I learned this the hard way after too many sticky fingers! Divide the batter into six portions, shaping each into a round patty about 1 cm thick. Fry them in batches, cooking each side until golden and crisp—about 3 minutes per side. Transfer finished fritters to a rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Whip Up the Lemony Yogurt Dip
While the fritters are cooking, combine the coconut yogurt, chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and a pinch of fine sea salt in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth—this dip is what takes the fritters from great to unforgettable. I always make a bit extra because it’s lovely on everything from salads to grain bowls.
Pro Tips for Making Savoury Vegan Pumpkin Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Dip Recipe
- Dry Pumpkin Thoroughly: Ridding excess moisture is key—if the pumpkin is too wet, the fritters won’t crisp up properly.
- Oil Your Hands: This simple trick prevents sticky dough mishaps and helps form neat fritters without a mess.
- Medium-High Heat: Keep your pan hot enough so the fritters brown quickly without burning, resulting in that perfect crispy crust.
- Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir until combined but resist overworking the dough to keep the fritters light and fluffy.
How to Serve Savoury Vegan Pumpkin Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Dip Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these fritters with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a pop of herbal freshness and a few cracks of black pepper. Sometimes I add a little lemon zest on top of the dip to amplify the citrus zing. These simple garnishes make a big visual and flavor difference.
Side Dishes
Pair these fritters with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal. I sometimes serve them alongside a warm quinoa salad or with steamed greens for a satisfying lunch or light dinner that feels special but is easy to throw together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, try serving the fritters on a wooden board with small dipping bowls of the lemony yogurt dip, garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for that wow factor. You can also stack them with layers of avocado slices and tomato for a delightful fritter “burger” that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These fritters keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. When I’ve made a batch ahead, I like to store them separately from the dip to keep the texture crisp and fresh.
Freezing
Freezing also works great—just lay the fritters on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a bag or container. This way, you can pull out just what you need without thawing the whole batch, which I find super convenient for busy weeks.
Reheating
The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover fritters is on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of oil to get that crispy crust back. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make them soggy. Your lemony yogurt dip can just be stirred up and served cold alongside.
FAQs
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Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely, canned pumpkin works in a pinch, but be sure to use pure pumpkin puree without added spices or sweeteners. You may need to adjust the flour quantity since canned pumpkin tends to be more moist, so add it gradually to get the right batter consistency.
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Is there a gluten-free option for these fritters?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend or chickpea flour. Chickpea flour adds a lovely nutty flavor and binds well, though it may change the texture slightly, so experiment to find your perfect balance.
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How do I prevent the fritters from falling apart while frying?
Ensuring the pumpkin is well drained and the batter isn’t too wet are key. Also, oil your hands before shaping to create a compact fritter, and don’t flip them too early—wait until the edges are golden and firm enough to hold together.
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Can I prepare the lemony yogurt dip in advance?
Definitely! The dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. The flavors only get better after sitting for a bit, making it a great make-ahead addition.
Final Thoughts
This Savoury Vegan Pumpkin Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Dip Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—and that’s why I keep coming back to it. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels, forgiving enough to tweak as you like, and yet always delivers that wow factor at the table. I can’t recommend it enough as your next cozy kitchen project; I’m sure you’ll get hooked just like I did!
PrintSavoury Vegan Pumpkin Fritters with Lemon Yogurt Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 fritters
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and healthy vegan savoury pumpkin fritters made with mashed pumpkin, seasoned with curry powder and herbs, lightly pan-fried to a golden crisp. Served with a refreshing lemony coconut yogurt dip, these fritters are perfect as a snack or appetizer and are gluten-free friendly.
Ingredients
PUMPKIN FRITTERS
- 2 cups pumpkin, cut into small pieces (or substitute with butternut squash, hubbard squash, or kabocha squash)
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more to oil your hands)
LEMONY YOGURT DIP
- 1/4 cup plain coconut yogurt
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch fine sea salt
Instructions
- Boil the Pumpkin: Fill a medium saucepan one-third full with water and bring to a boil. Add the pumpkin pieces and boil on medium heat until just soft, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain and Dry the Pumpkin: Drain the pumpkin thoroughly and pat dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture. It’s okay to squish slightly during drying. Return the pumpkin to the saucepan.
- Mash and Season: Mash the pumpkin using an immersion blender or potato masher until smooth with no large lumps. Add curry powder, sea salt, paprika, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Mix well.
- Add Flour and Baking Powder: Gradually add the flour while mixing the mixture. Sprinkle in the baking powder and stir with a spoon until combined. The batter will be slightly sticky.
- Heat the Skillet: Drizzle olive oil in a non-stick skillet and heat over medium-high.
- Shape the Fritters: Oil your hands well to prevent sticking. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each into a round fritter approximately 1 cm thick, oiling your hands between each to keep the mixture from sticking.
- Fry the Fritters: Place fritters in the hot oiled skillet in batches. Fry each for about 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and fry another 2-3 minutes for the other side.
- Drain: Place cooked fritters on a paper towel-lined cooling rack to absorb excess oil. Repeat frying with the remaining batter.
- Make the Lemony Yogurt Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together coconut yogurt, finely chopped green onion, chopped cilantro, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Serve: Serve the warm pumpkin fritters with the fresh lemony yogurt dip. Optionally sprinkle extra fresh cilantro on top for garnish.
Notes
- The amount of flour may vary depending on how wet the cooked pumpkin is. The batter should be doughy enough to hold its shape but not too dry.
- Fritters are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a little oil.
- The lemony yogurt dip can be made ahead and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 138 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 392 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg