Greek zucchini fritters (kolokythokeftedes) are a delectable treat that captures the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine. These fritters, made with grated zucchini, herbs, and spices, are a perfect appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian main course. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, they offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing snack or a hearty and satisfying meal, Greek zucchini fritters are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES (GREEK ZUCCHINI FRITTERS)
These Greek zucchini fritters are not deep-fried, but pan-fried in olive oil--delicious!
Provided by gus
Time 1h30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Shred zucchini into a colander and sprinkle with about 2 teaspoons salt. Allow to drain over the sink for 20 minutes.
- At the same time, mix water and flaxseed meal together until completely combined. Set aside and allow mixture to sit for about 10 minutes.
- Squeeze out liquid from onions and potatoes by wringing them in a clean tea towel over the sink. Set aside.
- Combine bread crumbs, mint, dill, parsley, lemon zest, pepper, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add flaxseed meal mixture and mix to combine.
- Rinse shredded zucchini very lightly and ring out any liquid in a tea towel. Add zucchini, shredded onion, potato, and carrot to the bread crumb mixture and combine. Add flour and baking powder and combine everything once more with your hands. Set aside to rest for at least 10 minutes on the counter, or up to 3 days, covered in the refrigerator.
- Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a shallow frying pan over medium heat, making sure the oil doesn't burn.
- Scoop zucchini mixture in 1/3-cup portions and roll into balls your hands. Working in batches, add balls to the hot oil and gently pat into a patty. Cook until browned, 2 to 3 minutes; flip and continue to fry until crispy and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining balls, adding 2 tablespoons more oil to the pan between each batch. Serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 205.9 calories, Carbohydrate 24.1 g, Fat 10.9 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 4.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 1139.2 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
GREEK ZUCCHINI FRITTERS KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES RECIPE - (4.4/5)
Provided by Foodiewife
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- NOTE: *If you only have regular yogurt, you will need to set it in a fine sieve or cheese cloth, overnight, to remove excess liquid. Greek Yogurt is much thicker in texture than regular yogurt. For the sauce: Mix yogurt, a grated clove of garlic, cucumber, the juice of 1 lemon and ½ teaspoon cumin. Refrigerate, to allow the flavors to marry, while you prepare the fritters. Wash the zucchini. With skins on, grate them with the coarse side of a grater (or a food processor, which I prefer). Remove the zucchini by the handful, squeezing to remove as much liquid as you can. You can also use a tea towel or cheese cloth. I use a ricer, which works brilliantly to remove a lot of liquid! This is important, or you could end up with soggy fritters. Put the grated and drained zucchini into a bowl with herbs, feta and green onions. Mix with a fork. Add the lightly beaten egg and stir. Add flour and panko bread crumbs. The mixture should be wet but not watery. Mix in a small dose of salt-- I prefer kosher salt. NOTE: Feta cheese already has some saltiness, so I went easy on the salt and I am glad that I did! Heat olive oil in a pan about 1/8 inch deep covering the entire pan. When the oil hot and shimmering, scoop out a spoonful of the zucchini mixture I used an ice cream scoop) and put it in the pan. Let the fritters cook about 3-4 minutes or until brown and then flip them. Cook another 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove fritters and place on a paper towel -lined plate to remove some excess oil. Serve hot with tzatiki sauce. If using regular yogurt, put yogurt in a cheesecloth lined sieve over a bowl. Drain several hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Greek yogurt is thicker and does not need the draining. Peel, seed and coarsely grate cucumbers. Drain well. Add garlic, vinegar, olive oil, sat and pepper to cucumbers. Mix well. Add drained yogurt and blend.
Tips:
- Select the right zucchini: Choose small to medium-sized zucchini that are firm and have a deep green color. Avoid large zucchini as they tend to have a higher water content, which can make the fritters soggy.
- Shred the zucchini properly: To ensure even cooking, shred the zucchini using a grater with large holes. This will help create a consistent texture throughout the fritters.
- Squeeze out excess moisture: After shredding the zucchini, place it in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes. Then, use a cheesecloth or paper towels to squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This will help prevent the fritters from becoming too watery.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and mint add a burst of flavor to the fritters. Chop them finely before adding them to the mixture.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When frying the fritters, do not overcrowd the pan. This will prevent them from cooking evenly and becoming soggy. Cook them in batches if necessary.
- Serve with a dipping sauce: Greek zucchini fritters are traditionally served with a dipping sauce. Tzatziki sauce, a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill, is a popular choice.
Conclusion:
Greek zucchini fritters, also known as kolokithokeftedes, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. They are easy to make and can be customized with various herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Whether you serve them hot or cold, with a dipping sauce or on their own, these fritters are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to indulge in the flavors of Greece!
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