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An overhead shot of a serving of Greek zucchini fritters, with tzatziki and some fresh dill next to it.
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5 from 1 vote

Greek Zucchini Fritters Recipe (Kolokithokeftedes)

An appetizer that can also be enjoyed as snacks --- Greek Zucchini Fritters, known locally as ‘Kolokithokeftedes,’ will always make you reach for more.  Crunchy on the outside but soft and packed with flavor on the inside.  Deliciously addictive!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Greek
Servings: 12
Calories: 68kcal
Author: Neriz

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups zucchini (about 2 medium-sized), grated
  • 1 & 1/2 to 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/3 cup Kefalotiri or Pecorino Romano, grated, heaping
  • 6 to 8 tbsp breadcrumbs
  • 1 medium egg
  • 3 tbsp dill, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 to 1 & 1/2 cups vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  • Start making your kolokithokeftedes by placing the grated zucchini in a colander and sprinkle salt on it; use a fork to mix.
  • Let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes to eliminate the liquid.  
    (Note: Make sure you place a bowl under to catch the water.)
  • Heat the olive oil over medium heat using a medium-sized pan or skillet.
  • Add finely chopped onion, and cook until it softens, then set aside to cool.
  • Take the zucchini out of the colander and use your hands to squeeze the remaining liquid in them.
  • Combine zucchini, flour, baking powder, egg, pecorino Romano, dill, breadcrumbs, pepper, and the cooled onion in a separate bowl.
  • Use a fork to mix everything evenly.
  • Take a spoonful of the zucchini fritters mixture and shape it.
  • Heat the vegetable oil in a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat.
  • Once the oil is ready, add the zucchini balls carefully.
  • Cook until all sides of kolokithokeftedes are golden.
  • Place them on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.
  • Serve and enjoy your kolokithokeftedes!

Video

Notes

  • Cook’s Tip #1:  To help solidify the kolokithokeftedes mixture, keep it in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes --- before you start forming them.
  • Cook’s Tip #2:  Add the breadcrumbs slowly, checking in between additions if the zucchini balls mixture needs more or not.
  • Cook’s Tip #3:  After adding your kolokithokeftedes to the frying oil, lower the heat to medium to avoid browning the outsides too quickly.

Nutrition

Calories: 68kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 192mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 81IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 1mg