Kolokithokeftedes
Kolokithokeftedes are crisp-edged, tender Greek zucchini fritters packed with feta, fresh mint, dill, and scallions. They are bright, savory, and aromatic, with a juicy interior balanced by a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Ingredients
Fritter mixture
- 500 gzucchini, coarsely grated
- 5 gfine salt
- 120 gfeta, crumbled
- 40 gscallions, finely sliced
- 10 gfresh mint, finely chopped
- 8 gfresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 large (50 g without shell)egg
- 60 gplain flour
- 1 gblack pepper
For frying and serving
- 45 mlolive oil
- 1 lemon (120 g)lemon wedges
Instructions
- 1
Grate the zucchini on the coarse side of a grater, toss it with the salt in a bowl, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, slice the scallions and chop the mint and dill.
- 2
Transfer the salted zucchini to a clean towel or handfuls at a time and squeeze very firmly over the sink to remove as much liquid as possible. This is the key to fritters that hold together and fry crisp rather than steam.
- 3
Place the drained zucchini in a bowl with the feta, scallions, mint, dill, egg, flour, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined into a thick, scoopable batter. If it looks wet, let it stand 2 minutes so the flour hydrates before deciding whether it needs a little more flour.
- 4
Heat half the olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Scoop the mixture into 6 small mounds in the pan and flatten them lightly to about 1.5 cm thick so the centers cook through before the outside gets too dark.
- 5
Fry for 3-4 minutes on the first side until deep golden at the edges, then turn carefully and cook 3 minutes more. The fritters are ready when both sides are golden brown and they feel lightly set in the center. Transfer to a plate.
- 6
Add the remaining olive oil and cook the rest of the mixture the same way. Serve hot with lemon wedges for squeezing over.
Nutrition per serving
Notes
- •Squeezing the zucchini thoroughly is the most important beginner-friendly technique for success.
- •Use medium heat; high heat can brown the outside before the inside sets.
- •If you prefer, serve with thick Greek yogurt or tzatziki, though this will change the nutrition.
- •These fritters are best eaten immediately, but can be reheated in a dry pan or hot oven to re-crisp.
Background
Kolokithokeftedes are classic Greek zucchini fritters, especially associated with summer cooking and the islands, where fresh herbs and salty cheese are abundant. Variations appear across Greece, often with mint, dill, and feta, and they are commonly served as a meze to share.
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