Greek zucchini fritters cooking tutorial
Greek Zucchini Fritters, or Kolokithokeftedes, are a delightful vegetarian and eggless dish from Greece. These appetizers combine the freshness of zucchini with the rich flavors of Greek cuisine, featuring a crispy exterior and tender interior. Celebrated for their cultural significance and delicious taste, they embody the Mediterranean diet's emphasis on vegetables and herbs. Let's get cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
Incorporate two large grated zucchinis, one small finely chopped onion, and two minced garlic cloves. Gather one cup of all-purpose flour or chickpea flour for gluten-free needs, half a cup of crumbled feta cheese, and a quarter cup each of chopped fresh dill and mint leaves. Season with salt and pepper. Olive oil is required for frying.
Prepare the zucchini mixture
Start by placing the grated zucchini in a colander over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This process helps draw out moisture from the zucchini. After 10 minutes, squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the zucchini using your hands or wrapping it in a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for achieving crispy fritters.
Mix ingredients together
In a large bowl, mix the squeezed zucchini with onion, garlic, flour, and crumbled feta cheese. Add chopped dill and mint for freshness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir thoroughly until the mixture becomes cohesive, capable of holding its shape when formed into patties by hand, ensuring they are ready for frying to achieve a crispy exterior.
Shape and fry fritters
Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. While waiting for the oil to heat up, take spoonfuls of the mixture and form them into patties using your hands. Once formed, fry each patty until golden brown on both sides; this should take about two to three minutes per side depending on thickness.
Serving suggestions
Once fried, place the fritters on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with tzatziki sauce or plain yogurt, garnished with dill or mint for a true Greek experience. This recipe offers a taste of Greek cuisine from your kitchen, ideal for vegetarians seeking eggless options. It's simple yet packed with flavor, omitting meat, alcohol and eggs.
