Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will make your taste buds dance with these incredible Santorini-style Tomato Fritters (Domatokeftedes)! Imagine crispy, golden-brown delights bursting with the fresh flavors of ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a perfect balance of herbs and spices. These traditional Greek fritters are not just a recipe – they're a slice of Mediterranean paradise that will transform your kitchen into a sunny Santorini terrace. Whether you're a food lover, a Mediterranean cuisine enthusiast, or simply looking to impress your dinner guests, these domatokeftedes are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, grated
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the tomatoes by washing them thoroughly and removing the stems. Dice the tomatoes into small, uniform pieces, ensuring they are ripe and flavorful.
- Grate the onion using a box grater or food processor, catching all the juices. This will help distribute the onion flavor evenly throughout the fritter mixture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, grated onion, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently to combine all ingredients.
- Gradually add flour to the tomato mixture, stirring carefully to create a thick, slightly sticky batter. The consistency should hold together but not be too dry.
- Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the flour to absorb some of the tomato liquid.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1/4 inch deep for shallow frying.
- Using a spoon, carefully drop small portions of the tomato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly to create round fritters.
- Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. These fritters are best enjoyed immediately while crisp and warm.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Tomatoes: The secret to amazing fritters is using perfectly ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Look for tomatoes that are deep red and slightly soft to the touch.
- Remove Excess Moisture: After grating the onion and dicing the tomatoes, let them sit in a strainer for a few minutes to remove excess liquid. This helps prevent soggy fritters.
- Get the Oil Temperature Right: Use a thermometer if possible – the ideal frying temperature is around 350-375°F (175-190°C). If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a small bit of batter – it should sizzle immediately but not burn quickly.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the fritters in batches to ensure they become crispy and golden brown. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy fritters.
- Serve Immediately: These fritters are best enjoyed hot and crispy right out of the pan. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for a short time.
- Optional Dipping Sauce: Serve with tzatziki or a simple Greek yogurt sauce to elevate the flavors even more!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
