Tortitas de Espinaca, or Spinach Fritters, are a classic Mexican dish made with fresh spinach, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings, lightly fried until golden and crisp. These fritters are full of flavor — soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and deliciously wholesome. They’re often served with rice, beans, or salsa, making them a wonderful vegetarian option for any meal.
Ingredients
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1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
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3 large eggs
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated cotija cheese (or Parmesan)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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½ small onion, finely chopped
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¼ teaspoon ground cumin
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ cup all-purpose flour (for coating)
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Cooking Time
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Serving
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Serves 4
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spinach and cook for about 1–2 minutes until wilted. Drain and rinse under cold water. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible, then chop finely.
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In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, cheese, garlic, onion, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined — the mixture should be thick enough to hold its shape.
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Form small patties or spoonfuls of the mixture, about 2 inches wide. Lightly coat each fritter in flour.
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Heat about ¼ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry fritters in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
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Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
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Serve warm with salsa roja, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime.
Nutrition (per serving)
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Calories: 230
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Protein: 9g
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Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fiber: 3g
Tips
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For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped jalapeño to the batter.
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To make them lighter, you can bake the fritters on a greased sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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These fritters taste great inside tortillas as veggie tacos or served with Mexican rice.
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Use fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor, but frozen spinach works if well-drained.
These Tortitas de Espinaca are crispy, savory, and full of earthy spinach flavor — a comforting and simple dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
