Broccoli Fritter

• 8 ounces (1 small-to-medium bundle fresh broccoli (3 cups chopped) or 1 box frozen broccoli
• 1 large egg (or 1/2 banana)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese or 1/2 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, chopped (optional)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 6 tbsp olive or vegetable oil for frying

1. Prepare your broccoli: Separate the florets from the biggest stem(s). Cut the florets into 1/2-inch chunks. You should have about 3 cups of chopped broccoli total.
2. Steam your broccoli until tender but not mushy: Use whatever method you prefer. My quickie, lazy method is to bring a 1/2-inch or so of water to a boil in a small saucepan, then add the broccoli, place a lid on it and simmer it for 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the broccoli, then set it aside to cool slightly.
3. In the bottom of a large bowl, lightly beat your egg. Add the flour, cheese, scallions, garlic, salt and pepper. Then, add the somewhat cooled broccoli and, using a potato masher, mash the broccoli just a bit. You're looking to keep the bits recognizable, but small enough (1/4- to 1/2-inch chunks) that you can press a mound of the batter into a fritter in the pan. Once mashed a bit, stir or fold the ingredients together the rest of the way with a spoon. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Heat a large, heavy skillet over moderate heat. Once hot, add a good slick of oil (I usually use a mix of olive and vegetable oil), about 2 to 3 tablespoons. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by flicking a droplet of water into it; it should hiss and sputter), scoop a two tablespoon-size mound of the batter and drop it into the pan, then flatten it slightly with your spoon or spatula. Repeat with additional batter, leaving a couple inches between each. Once brown underneath, about 2 to 3 minutes, flip each fritter and cook on the other side until equally golden, about another 1 to 2 minutes.
5. Transfer briefly to paper towels to drain.

broccoli, egg, allpurpose, parmesan cheese, clove garlic, scallions, salt, black pepper, olive

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/broccoli-fritter-50185929 (may not work)