Greek
⭐ Highly Rated
30 minmedium
GreekAppetizer
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsKolokythokeftedes are beloved Greek vegetable fritters that showcase the Mediterranean love for fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables. These golden, crispy zucchini patties are a staple meze dish served in tavernas throughout Greece. The combination of grated zucchini, aromatic herbs like mint and dill, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of garlic creates an irresistible flavor profile. The key to perfect kolokythokeftedes is removing excess moisture from the zucchini to achieve that coveted crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, flavorful interior. Traditionally served warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce, these fritters represent the essence of Greek home cooking - simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through time-honored techniques.
Instructions
step by step0/10 done
Grate the zucchini using a box grater and place in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon salt and let sit for 15 minutes to draw out moisture.
Meanwhile, finely chop the onion, garlic, mint, dill, and parsley.
After 15 minutes, squeeze the grated zucchini firmly with your hands or wrap in a clean kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for crispy fritters.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, chopped onion, minced garlic, crumbled feta cheese, and all the fresh herbs.
Add the eggs and flour to the mixture. Season with black pepper, oregano, and remaining salt. Mix thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should hold together when shaped.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
Form the mixture into patties about 2-3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
Fry the patties in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Transfer cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve warm with Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce on the side.
Kolokythokeftedes
4.4 (42)
Traditional Greek zucchini fritters flavored with fresh mint, dill, and feta cheese, pan-fried until golden and crispy. Perfect as a meze appetizer or light meal.
medium
35 min
6 servings
Ingredients
0 of 12 checked
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces Zucchini, grated
- 1 cups Cheese Feta, crumbled
- 1 pieces Onions, finely chopped
- 2 pieces Eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cups Flour
Seasonings
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoons Black Pepper, freshly ground
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoons Oregano, dried
Herbs
- 3 tablespoons Dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped
Cooking
- 6 tablespoons Olive Oil
Chef Tips
expert advice•For extra crispy fritters, refrigerate the formed patties for 30 minutes before frying.
•If the mixture seems too wet, add a tablespoon more flour.
•These fritters can be made smaller for cocktail party appetizers.
•The fritters taste best when served immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven.
Variations & Substitutions
make it your own•You can substitute mint with additional dill if preferred, though mint provides authentic flavor.
•For a lighter version, brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Storage & Reheating
keeping it freshStorage
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Reheating
Reheat in a preheated 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid microwaving as it will make them soggy.
