Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes)

Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes)

Zucchini Fritters, also known as Kolokithokeftedes, are a delightful and tasty dish that brings a touch of Greek cuisine to your table. These crispy, golden fritters are made primarily from fresh zucchini and are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Whether served with a sauce or on their own, they are sure to please everyone!

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make zucchini fritters! First, they are incredibly easy to prepare. You likely have most of the ingredients in your kitchen already. Second, they are a great way to use up excess zucchini, especially during the summer months when it’s in season. Lastly, zucchini fritters are delicious and nutritious, offering a tasty way to incorporate vegetables into your diet.

How to Make Zucchini Fritters

Making zucchini fritters is a straightforward process. Here is how you can make them at home.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup fresh dill or mint, chopped
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free option)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil, for frying
• Optional: Greek yogurt or tzatziki, for serving

Directions

1. Start by placing the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the moisture to drain.
2. After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as you can.
3. In a large bowl, mix the drained zucchini with scallions, dill or mint, feta cheese, egg, flour, baking powder, and black pepper until everything is well combined.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Take tablespoon-sized portions of the zucchini mixture and scoop them into the pan, flattening them slightly.
6. Cook each fritter for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crisp.
7. Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki if you like.

How to Serve Zucchini Fritters

You can serve zucchini fritters warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or paired with Greek yogurt or tzatziki. They make a great addition to a meze platter, which is a selection of small dishes served before a main meal.

How to Store Zucchini Fritters

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes to regain their crispness.

Tips to Make Zucchini Fritters

• Make sure to squeeze out all the excess moisture from the zucchini to achieve crispy fritters.
• Feel free to add other herbs or spices to suit your taste.
• If you want a gluten-free version, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour.

Variation

You can customize your zucchini fritters by adding other vegetables like grated carrots or bell peppers. You can also experiment with different cheeses or herbs based on what you have at home.

FAQs

1. Can I freeze zucchini fritters?
Yes, you can freeze them! Place the cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for longer storage.

2. Can I bake zucchini fritters instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the fritters on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown.

3. What can I serve with zucchini fritters?
They are delicious with Greek yogurt, tzatziki, or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy them on their own as a tasty snack!

Enjoy making and sharing these delicious zucchini fritters with family and friends!

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Zucchini Fritters (Kolokithokeftedes)

Crispy and golden zucchini fritters that bring a touch of Greek cuisine to your table, perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchini, grated Use fresh zucchini, preferably in season.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Used to draw moisture out of zucchini.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
• 1/4 cup fresh dill or mint, chopped Choose according to taste preference.
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with chickpea flour for gluten-free.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Olive oil, for frying Use as needed for frying.
• Optional: Greek yogurt or tzatziki, for serving

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Place the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle it with salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the moisture to drain.
• After 10 minutes, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much moisture from the zucchini as you can.

Mixing Ingredients

• In a large bowl, mix the drained zucchini with scallions, dill or mint, feta cheese, egg, flour, baking powder, and black pepper until everything is well combined.

Cooking

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Take tablespoon-sized portions of the zucchini mixture and scoop them into the pan, flattening them slightly.
• Cook each fritter for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crisp.
• Once cooked, transfer the fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Serving

• Serve the fritters warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki if you like.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a hot skillet to regain their crispness. Squeeze out excess moisture from zucchini for crispy fritters.

Keyword Greek Appetizers, Healthy Snacks, Kolokithokeftedes, Vegetable Fritters, Zucchini Fritters