Zucchini-Lentil Fritters

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
• 1 medium zucchini (about 5 oz.)
• ½ medium onion (thinly sliced)
• ¾ cup whole-milk yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• 1¾ teaspoons kosher salt (divided, plus more)
• ½ teaspoon Kashmiri chile powder or ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 cup parsley leaves with tender stems
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1 cup ghee or neutral vegetable oil