Greek Style Kolokithokeftedes Recipe β Zucchini Fritters
Indulge in a light and flavorful Greek snack with this delightful recipe for Greek Style Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini Fritters). A fantastic vegetarian dish, these crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside fritters are made with grated yellow zucchini, crumbled homemade paneer, and a selection of fresh herbs. The addition of oats and flaxseed powder ensures the perfect texture, while whole wheat breadcrumbs help bind the mixture together. Flavored with nutmeg, spring onions, and mint leaves, this recipe delivers an authentic taste of Greece.
These zucchini fritters are versatile and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days, making them a quick and easy snack or appetizer whenever you’re in the mood for something light and delicious.
Cuisine: Greek
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Zucchini | 2, coarsely grated |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 1/2 cup, crumbled |
| Nutmeg | 1 teaspoon |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 4 sprigs, chopped |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 3 sprigs, finely chopped |
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1/2 cup, for binding |
| Flax Seed Powder (Flax Meal) | 3 tablespoons |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 4 tablespoons |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | For cooking |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients: Start by preparing all your ingredients. Grate the yellow zucchini coarsely and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture. This step is crucial for ensuring your fritters stay crispy when frying.
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Mix the Fritter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, crumbled paneer, and all the herbsβmint leaves, spring onions, and nutmeg. Add the instant oats, flaxseed powder, and whole wheat bread crumbs for binding. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Shape the Patties: Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into flat patties using your fingers. Make sure the patties are compact and uniform in size so they cook evenly.
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Cook the Fritters: Heat a flat skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat and drizzle some extra virgin olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties on the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Fry the fritters on both sides until they turn golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
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Serve: Once the fritters are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve the Greek Style Kolokithokeftedes warm, as an appetizer or tea-time snack.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy zucchini fritters pair wonderfully with a side of Greek yogurt dip for a refreshing contrast to their savory crunch. For a complete Greek-inspired meal, serve them alongside Herbed Butter Garlic Quinoa and Spinach Ricotta Balls in Garlic Tomato Basil Sauce.
Tips for Success
- Zucchini: Be sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated zucchini. Excess water can make the fritters soggy.
- Binding: If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more bread crumbs or oats to help it hold together.
- Make-Ahead: This fritter mixture can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Fry the patties as needed for a quick snack or appetizer.
Enjoy this light, crispy, and delicious Greek Style Kolokithokeftedes as part of your next meal, or serve them as a crowd-pleasing snack at your next gathering!
