Greek > Appetizer > Vegetarian Appetizers

Formadi-Kolokithokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 medium zucchinis, grated
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying

Special equipment needed:
- Grater
- Mixing bowl
- Non-stick frying pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Grate the zucchinis and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the crumbled feta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dill, mint, and minced garlic to the bowl.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Add the flour and beaten eggs to the bowl and mix until a thick batter forms.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
7. Using a spoon, drop the batter into the hot oil and flatten slightly with the back of the spoon.
8. Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
10. Serve hot with a side of tzatziki sauce.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- Makes 12-15 fritters

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 80 per fritter
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Instead of parsley, dill, and mint, you can use any combination of fresh herbs you like.

Variations:
- Add chopped onion or scallions to the batter for extra flavor.
- Add a pinch of cumin or paprika for a spicy kick.
- Use sweet potatoes or carrots instead of zucchinis for a different twist.

Tips and tricks:
- Squeeze out excess water from the grated zucchinis before mixing with other ingredients to prevent the batter from becoming too watery.
- Use a non-stick frying pan to prevent the fritters from sticking to the pan.
- Serve the fritters immediately after frying to ensure they stay crispy.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the fritters on a platter with a side of tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or crumbled feta cheese.

Pairings:
- Serve with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Suggested side dishes:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Pita bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the batter is too watery, add more flour to thicken it up.
- If the fritters are falling apart in the pan, add more flour or egg to bind the ingredients together.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the fritters thoroughly to prevent any foodborne illnesses.

Food history:
- Zucchini fritters are a popular dish in Greek cuisine and are often served as an appetizer or side dish.

Flavor profiles:
- The fritters are savory and slightly salty from the cheese, with a fresh and herbaceous flavor from the parsley, dill, and mint.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the fritters as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a vegetarian main course.

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Region: Greek

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herbal, Crispy