Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe

I absolutely love how these Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe come together—there’s something so comforting about warm, golden fritters packed with cozy spices and fresh herbs. They’re perfect for a light lunch, a snack to impress friends, or even a fun appetizer at your next gathering. When I first tried this recipe, I was pleasantly surprised by how the subtle curry and paprika played against the bright, zesty yogurt dip—it’s a flavor match made in heaven.

You’ll find that these fritters are wonderfully versatile and pretty forgiving, too, especially with the forgiving nature of the pumpkin or squash base. Plus, the lemony coconut yogurt dip adds a creamy, tangy finish that takes the whole dish from simple to special. If you’re searching for unique plant-based bites that are both filling and fabulous, the Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe should definitely be on your radar.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples with fresh pumpkin for a cozy seasonal touch.
  • Burst of Flavors: The curry and paprika spices blend perfectly with the bright, lemony dip for a balanced taste.
  • Vegan & Versatile: Easily adaptable for various dietary preferences without compromising taste.
  • Great for Any Occasion: Works as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish, making it a real crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe is how well these simple ingredients harmonize. Each adds character, whether it’s the earthiness of the pumpkin or the creamy zing of coconut yogurt balanced with lemon.

  • Pumpkin: Fresh pumpkin gives natural sweetness and moisture, but butternut or kabocha work wonderfully too.
  • Curry powder: Adds that warm, aromatic spice note without overpowering the fritters.
  • Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors just right; fine salt blends better in batters.
  • Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and gentle heat—it brightens the savory depth.
  • Green onions: Provides a mild onion kick and fresh crunch when mixed in the batter and dip.
  • Cilantro: I love this fresh herb for adding that lively, herby pop.
  • All-purpose flour: Binds everything together; you might adjust the amount depending on pumpkin’s moisture.
  • Baking powder: Lightens the fritters so they’re not too dense or heavy.
  • Olive oil: For frying and shaping; it keeps the fritters golden and your hands sticky-free.
  • Plain coconut yogurt: The base for the dip, giving creaminess with a subtle coconut flavor.
  • Lemon juice: Brings brightness and lifts the dip, keeping it fresh and lively.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to play around with this recipe based on the season and what herbs I have on hand. It’s such a flexible base, and personalizing it makes it feel really special when I serve it.

  • Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes gives a nice kick—I love this when serving to friends who enjoy heat.
  • Herb Swaps: Sometimes I replace cilantro with parsley or dill for a different herby highlight that changes the flavor profile subtly.
  • Different Squashes: I’ve tried butternut and kabocha squash instead of pumpkin—they each bring a slightly different sweetness and texture that’s lovely.
  • Gluten-Free: Swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend works great; just make sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.

How to Make Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Mash Your Pumpkin Perfectly

Start by boiling your pumpkin pieces until just tender—about 8 to 10 minutes. You want them soft enough to mash easily but not waterlogged. Once drained, pat them really dry with kitchen paper; I usually squish the pieces lightly to get rid of extra moisture. This step is key because the drier the pumpkin, the better your fritters will hold together without being soggy.

Step 2: Mixing in Spices and Flour

Once mashed until smooth with no big clumps, fold in your curry powder, sea salt, paprika, green onions, and cilantro. Gradually stir in the flour and baking powder—your batter will be sticky but should be firm enough to shape. If it feels too loose, add a little more flour, but be careful not to dry it out.

Step 3: Shape and Fry the Fritters

Heat a non-stick skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Oil your hands generously before shaping the batter into 6 round fritters, about 1 cm thick. Trust me, oiling your hands prevents the batter from sticking and makes shaping easier. Fry the fritters for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crisp, working in batches if needed. Drain on kitchen towel to keep them crisp and oil-free.

Step 4: Whip Up the Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip

Mix coconut yogurt with finely chopped green onion, fresh cilantro, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk well to combine and serve alongside the hot fritters. The creamy, tangy dip is that final layer of deliciousness you won’t want to skip.

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Pro Tips for Making Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe

  • Dry the Pumpkin Well: Removing excess water after boiling is crucial—too wet and the fritters won’t hold their shape.
  • Oil Your Hands, Not Just the Pan: This little trick stops batter from sticking and helps shape consistently sized fritters.
  • Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan lowers the temperature causing soggy fritters, so give each piece space to crisp up nicely.
  • Adjust Flour as Needed: Pumpkin moisture varies, so add flour gradually for a batter that feels doughy but holds together well.

How to Serve Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe

A stack of three golden brown patties with a slightly rough texture, each speckled with green herbs, placed on a round white plate. The top patty has a bite taken out of it, showing a soft and moist inside with an orange color. Dollops of white creamy sauce with small green herb pieces are spread unevenly over the top and sides of the patties. Small green herb leaves are scattered lightly around the plate, set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I tend to sprinkle fresh cilantro and sometimes a few thinly sliced green onions on top of the fritters for a fresh pop of color and flavor. A tiny drizzle of extra lemon juice over the dip or fritters right before serving adds a bright zing that everyone loves.

Side Dishes

My family often enjoys these fritters alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a light, balanced meal. They also pair wonderfully with warm pita bread or even tucked into a wrap with some crunchy slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve arranged these fritters on a large board surrounded by bowls of lemony coconut dip, pickled onions, and fresh herbs. They look vibrant and inviting—guests can pile on toppings and dip to their hearts’ content.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These fritters keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I like to layer parchment paper between them to prevent sticking. It’s perfect for making ahead for busy weeknights.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover fritters successfully by flash-freezing them on a tray before packing into a freezer bag. This way, they don’t stick together and you can easily reheat just what you need. I recommend freezing without the dip to keep flavors fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the fritters on a skillet with a little oil over medium heat until warmed through and crisp again, usually 3-4 minutes each side. You could also use the oven, but stovetop keeps them perfectly golden and avoids sogginess.

FAQs

  1. Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously satisfying.

  2. What can I substitute if I don’t have coconut yogurt?

    You can use any plain plant-based yogurt like almond or soy yogurt. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the savory dip to keep its tangy flavor.

  3. How can I make these fritters spicier?

    Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes into the batter. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to the dip for an extra kick.

  4. Is it okay to bake the fritters instead of frying?

    Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be as crispy as fried but still tasty and a bit lighter.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe enough for anyone looking to add a flavorful, easy-to-make plant-based dish to their repertoire. Making these fritters has become a little ritual for me on chilly evenings—they’re comforting, satisfying, and come with that bright, fresh dip that keeps you coming back for more. Give it a try in your kitchen—you might just find it becoming your new favorite fall treat or year-round snack.

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Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe

Vegan Savory Pumpkin Fritters with Lemony Coconut Yogurt Dip Recipe

4.7 from 145 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 fritters 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Vegan
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

These Savoury Pumpkin Fritters are a delightful vegan snack or appetizer, featuring tender pumpkin blended with aromatic spices and fresh herbs, lightly fried to a golden crisp. Served with a tangy lemony coconut yogurt dip, they offer a perfect balance of savory flavor and creamy zest, making them an ideal wholesome treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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 (adjust as needed)
  • 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 of fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pumpkin: Fill a medium saucepan with water up to 1/3 full and bring to a boil. Add the pumpkin pieces and boil over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until just soft. Drain well and pat dry with kitchen paper to remove excess water, squeezing gently to extract moisture.
  2. Mash and Mix: Return the dried pumpkin to the saucepan. Mash thoroughly with an immersion blender or potato masher until smooth and free of large lumps. Add curry powder, sea salt, paprika, chopped green onions, and cilantro. Gradually mix in the flour, then sprinkle baking powder over the mixture and stir to combine into a sticky dough.
  3. Prepare to Fry: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Oil your hands well to prevent sticking, then divide the mixture into 6 portions. Shape each into a round fritter about 1 cm thick, oiling your hands between each shaping.
  4. Fry the Fritters: Carefully place the fritters into the hot oiled skillet in batches. Cook each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Use a spatula to flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Transfer cooked fritters onto a paper towel-lined cooling rack. Repeat with remaining batter.
  5. Make the Lemony Yogurt Dip: While fritters cook, combine coconut yogurt, chopped green onion, cilantro, lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt in a small bowl. Whisk with a fork until smooth and well mixed.
  6. Serve: Plate the warm pumpkin fritters with the lemony coconut yogurt dip. Optionally, garnish with extra fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Flour quantity may need adjustment depending on the moisture content of the cooked pumpkin; the batter should be sticky but hold shape.
  • Best served freshly cooked for maximum crispness.
  • Fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days; reheat gently on the stovetop with a little oil to restore crispiness.
  • The lemony yogurt dip can be prepared ahead and kept refrigerated.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fritter with dip
  • 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