Imagine biting into a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavorful interior bursting with fresh herbs and tangy feta cheese. These Greek Fried Squash Patties, known as Kolokithokeftedes, are not just a side dish – they're a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece. Perfect for appetizers, light meals, or impressing your dinner guests, these zucchini fritters 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
- 2 cups zucchini, grated
- 1/2 cup onion, grated
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Grate the zucchini and onion using a box grater or food processor. Place the grated zucchini in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to ensure the patties are not too watery.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini, grated onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh mint. Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Add the flour, beaten egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed and form a cohesive mixture. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a bit more flour until it holds together.
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet to help achieve a crispy texture on the patties.
- Once the oil is hot, use a tablespoon or your hands to form small patties from the zucchini mixture, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Carefully place the patties in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula to flip them gently to avoid breaking.
- Once cooked, transfer the fried squash patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Continue frying the remaining patties, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
- Serve the kolokithokeftedes warm, garnished with additional fresh mint if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispy patties! Always squeeze out excess liquid from the grated zucchini using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- For extra crispiness, you can add a small amount of breadcrumbs to the mixture or lightly coat the patties in breadcrumbs before frying.
- Use a high-quality feta cheese for the most authentic flavor. Greek feta will give the best results.
- Maintain a consistent oil temperature around 350-375°F (175-190°C) for even, golden-brown frying.
- Don't overcrowd the pan – fry in batches to ensure each patty gets crispy and golden.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, but they can be kept warm in a low oven if needed.
- Experiment with additional herbs like dill or parsley to customize the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
