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Kolokithokeftedes

Golden-fried Greek zucchini fritters with fresh herbs and crumbly cheese. Crispy outside and tender inside, perfect as an appetizer with tzatziki sauce.

40 minEasyServes 4240 cal/serving

GreekAppetizerStovetopVegetarian

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs zucchini, grated, grated
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped, chopped
  • 1.5 cups olive oil for frying
  • to taste black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Toss 2 lbs grated zucchini, grated with 1 tsp salt in a colander. Let drain for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture. Squeeze gently to remove more water.

  2. 2

    Transfer 2 lbs grated zucchini, grated to a large bowl. Add 4 oz crumbled feta cheese, crumbled, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill, chopped, 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint, chopped, and to taste black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  3. 3

    Heat 1.5 cups olive oil for frying in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (a small spoonful of mixture should sizzle immediately).

  4. 4

    Working in batches, drop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan.

  5. 5

    Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

  6. 6

    Serve hot with tzatziki sauce, lemon wedges, or yogurt dipping sauce.

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Questions

What is Kolokithokeftedes?

Golden-fried Greek zucchini fritters with fresh herbs and crumbly cheese. Crispy outside and tender inside, perfect as an appetizer with tzatziki sauce. This reference files it under Greek appetizer: made on the stovetop, rated easy and about 40 minutes start to finish.

What internal temperature should Kolokithokeftedes reach?

For Kolokithokeftedes, the target internal temperature is 350 F (about 175 C), given in step 3. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why salt and drain the vegetables in Kolokithokeftedes?

Step 1 reads: "Toss 2 lbs grated zucchini, grated with 1 tsp salt in a colander." Salt pulls water out. Doing it at step 1 means that water ends up in the colander rather than in the finished dish.

What can I use instead of feta in Kolokithokeftedes?

The entry for Kolokithokeftedes calls for 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled. In its place: Crumbled queso fresco or ricotta salata is milder but behaves the same. For dairy-free, crumble firm tofu and marinate it in lemon juice and salt.

Can I make Kolokithokeftedes dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Kolokithokeftedes is 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Kolokithokeftedes vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled, crumbled and 2 eggs. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan appetizer collection.

How many calories are in Kolokithokeftedes?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 240 calories, with 8 g protein, 15 g carbohydrate and 15 g fat, plus 2 g fiber and 480 mg sodium.

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