Romanian Pan-Fried Courgettes – Dovlecei Pane Recipe

A plate of crispy Romanian pan-fried courgettes (Dovlecei Pane) garnished with fresh basil, served with a creamy garlic yogurt dip on a rustic wooden table.

 

A delicious Romanian summer snack, Dovlecei Pane features crispy, golden pan-fried courgettes served with a refreshing garlic yogurt dip. This easy-to-make dish is perfect as a side or appetizer and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Romanian
Servings 3 servings
Calories 230 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 medium courgettes (zucchinis)
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 3 tbsp breadcrumbs (pesmet or panko for extra crunch)
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbsp Greek yogurt
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • 1 tsp dried mint (optional)
  • 1 tsp dried dill (optional)
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Slice the courgettes into rounds, about 0.5 cm thick.
  • Place the slices in a bowl, sprinkle salt, and let them sit for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry afterward.
  • Coat each courgette slice in this order: flour → egg → breadcrumbs.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a pan (about a finger’s width deep).
  • Fry the courgettes in small batches, cooking each slice for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Transfer the fried slices onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  • Prepare the garlic yogurt dip by mixing Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dried dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill in the fridge until serving.
  • Serve the crispy courgettes garnished with fresh basil and paired with the garlic yogurt dip.

Notes

Step-by-step process of making Romanian pan-fried courgettes (Dovlecei Pane): slicing the courgettes, coating them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, frying them to a golden brown, and serving with a garlic yogurt dip.
Romanian Pan-Fried Courgettes – Dovlecei Pane Recipe
Romania’s summer harvest brings an abundance of fresh vegetables, and one of the most versatile is the humble courgette. This light and crispy Romanian pan-fried courgette dish, known as Dovlecei Pane, makes for a perfect snack or side dish. Served with a refreshing garlic yogurt dip, it’s a simple yet flavorful treat that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying! 😍

🌿 Why Try This Recipe?

  • Quick and easy to make
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients
  • Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside
  • Pairs beautifully with a tangy garlic yogurt dip
  • Customizable with different herbs and seasonings

🔥 Tips & Tricks

For an extra crispy texture: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs (pesmet in Romanian).
Fry in small batches: This prevents the oil from cooling down and ensures an even golden crust.
Try different herbs: Experiment with oregano, thyme, or parsley for a unique twist.
Lighter alternative: Instead of frying, try baking the coated courgette slices in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

🏆 Why You’ll Love It!

This Romanian Dovlecei Pane is crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, it’s a dish that brings out the best of summer flavors. Plus, the creamy garlic yogurt dip elevates it to a whole new level!
Give it a try and experience a taste of Romanian home cooking! 🇷🇴✨

👉 Did you make this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out! 🍽️😃
Keyword crispy courgettes, Dovlecei Pane, pan-fried zucchini, garlic yogurt dip, Romanian fried courgettes, Romanian snack, summer vegetable recipes
  • Welcome to Book of Foods, my space for sharing stories, recipes, and everything I’ve learned about making food both joyful and nourishing.

    I’m Ed, the creator of Book of Foods. Since 2015 I’ve been collecting stories and recipes from around the world to prove that good food can be simple, vibrant, and good for you.

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