FOOD NEWS
The Fried Zucchini Fritters That Will Begin Your Greek Dinner Off Right
BY LUNA REGINA
Greece is home to extraordinary culinary creations, including appetizers beyond spanakopita or halloumi. For your next Greek meal, try kolokithokeftedes, or zucchini fritters.
Kolokithokeftedes originate from Crete, Greece’s largest island, but they can be found at almost any street vendor, restaurant, diner, or home kitchen across the country.
The fritters are made of grated zucchini, herbs, aromatics, feta cheese, eggs, flour, and breadcrumbs, which are mixed together and then deep-fried until golden and crispy.
Although deep-fried, the fritters have a fresh and light flavor thanks to the herbs, while the feta offers a subtly tangy, creamy taste that’s perfect for whetting the appetite.
You can customize the fritters by changing up the spices, incorporating carrots, corn, potatoes, bell peppers, or beets, or adding a splash of ouzo, a Greek anise aperitif.
Serve the kolokithokeftedes with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, tahini, hummus, and chili sauce, or create a dip with leftover herbs, aromatics, honey, olive oil, lemon, and dill.