Greek Recipe: Greek Zucchini Balls

A must-have summer dish is the Greek zucchini balls with yogurt sauce! They are called Kolokythokeftedes and make the BEST beachside appetizer or snack! Fresh parsley, peppermint, dill, and other aromatics kick these flavorful fritters.

Your zucchini balls have two cooking options: baking in the oven or frying. Although baking them is a better choice, we typically fry them since they cook more quickly and retain their juice.

Greek zucchini balls secrets

You probably already know that I prefer my vegetables and herbs to be in season and fresh if you follow my Greek recipes. Greek food is centered on seasonality and is typically made from farm to table; I know it’s complicated. This is not always simple to achieve, but if you do it, you’ll remember what I said!

In a nutshell, the fundamental trick for the most delicious Greek zucchini balls is to use extra-fresh foods that are, if possible, in-season. Although your patties won’t be as moist if you use dry herbs, the outcome won’t be the same.

Since I grow my herbs on my balcony, I typically pick them up there, but they are available at any grocery store selling fresh foods.

When using fresh ingredients, wash them thoroughly and allow them to air dry for at least 30′. To make sure there is no remaining water, it would be advisable to use a kitchen towel.

You’ll see that the zucchini have enough moisture when you grate them; additional water is unnecessary.

These Greek zucchini balls are best served with a yogurt dip. They are perfect as a party appetizer or as a light meal. They’re super fun to make and eat, especially during the zucchini season.

💬Read more: Food in Greece: The Ultimate Greek Food Guide for first time travelers

Ready to make them?

Greek Zucchini Balls AKA kolokythokeftedes

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Yield: 2

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Ingredients

• 2 big or 4 small zucchinis
• 1 white or yellow onion
• 1 egg
• 150gr feta cheese
• 80gr cake flour
• 3 tbsp fresh parsley
• 3 tbsp fresh peppermint
• 2 tbsp dill
• 100ml extra virgin Greek olive oil
• salt & pepper

 

Equipment

• Cooking Spoon
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl

Instructions for Greek Zucchini Balls

Please come back the day after the live cooking class to read the instructions step-by-step.

1. Grate the zucchinis and place them in a strainer. Add salt and set aside for at least 30′ to drain their juice.
2. Grate the onion and place it in a strainer. Let it drain for 30′.
3. Cut the leaves of the dill, parsley, and peppermint into small pieces. Add them to your mixing bowl.
4. Bring all the excess liquid out of the zucchini and onion with your hands and add them to the mixing bowl.
5. Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the mixture.
6. Beat the egg and add it to the mixture.
7. Add the flour and pepper and combine all ingredients.
8. Heat the olive oil in the pan. When it is at frying temperature, use a tablespoon to scoop a ball from the mixture and add it to the pan.
9. Pan-fry until golden brown on both sides, 4-5 minutes per side.

 

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👩‍🍳Interested in more Greek recipes? 

• Santorini Fava recipe
• Greek Orzo with Shrimps
• Santorini Eggplant Salad
• Greek Meatballs AKA Soutzoukakia

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Tips for your Greek Zucchini Balls

What to Serve with Zucchini Fritters

Zucchini Fritters have traditionally been eaten on their own as an appetizer with tzatziki or Greek yogurt. But it makes for a good side dish. These will be a good complement to most of those dishes.

Do I Need to Drain Zucchini Before Frying?

It’s advisable first to grate the zucchini and drain them. This step eliminates water and makes fritters crisper while cooking. Moisture destroys crispy foods, so removing the water from a salad is best. Drain the zucchini before cooking the batter, and grate the vegetables in a colander. Take two teaspoons of salt. Let it drain for 15-30 seconds, and then lightly squeeze the towel to remove all the water from the zucchini.

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🚢Are you planning to visit Greece? Check our Greece Cooking Classes!!

• • Santorini Virtual Cooking Class

  • Cooking Class in Nafplio

  • Athens Traditional Cooking Class

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How Do You Reheat Zucchini Fritters?

Bring the fries to an electric grill. Place fritters together on baking paper. Warm 350 degrees for about 10 min. – 15 min.

Pairings and Complementary Dishes

Greek Zucchini Balls are not only delicious on their own but also pair well with a variety of other dishes and beverages. Here are some ideas to enhance your culinary experience and create a harmonious meal:

1. Tzatziki Sauce: One classic pairing for Greek Zucchini Balls is tzatziki sauce. The cool and creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill adds a refreshing element to the zucchini balls. The tangy and herbaceous flavors of tzatziki perfectly complement the savory and slightly crispy texture of the zucchini balls.
2. Greek Salad: Serve Greek Zucchini Balls alongside a traditional Greek salad for a fresh and vibrant combination. The crispness of the salad, featuring ingredients like tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta cheese, provides a wonderful contrast to the warm zucchini balls. The combination of flavors and textures will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece.
3. Lemon Wedges: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the zucchini balls before serving or provide lemon wedges on the side. The bright acidity of the lemon enhances the flavors of the zucchini balls, adding a tangy and citrusy element that balances the richness of the dish.
4. Pita Bread: Accompany Greek Zucchini Balls with warm and fluffy pita bread. Tear off a piece of pita, stuff it with a zucchini ball, and dip it in tzatziki sauce for a delightful handheld experience. The combination of the soft pita, flavorful zucchini balls, and creamy sauce creates a satisfying and portable meal.
5. Greek Yogurt: Another complementary dish to consider is a bowl of Greek yogurt. Its creamy and tangy nature provides a soothing contrast to the savory zucchini balls. You can enjoy a spoonful of yogurt between bites to cleanse the palate and balance out the flavors.
6. Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Create a Mediterranean mezze platter with an assortment of small plates, including Greek Zucchini Balls, hummus, olives, stuffed grape leaves, and feta cheese. This combination allows you to sample various flavors and textures while enjoying the zucchini balls as a star component. It’s a great option for sharing with friends or family.
7. Greek Wines: When it comes to beverage pairings, Greek wines can elevate the dining experience. Opt for a crisp and citrusy Assyrtiko white wine or a fruity and medium-bodied Agiorgitiko red wine. These wines complement the flavors of Greek cuisine and provide a delightful accompaniment to the zucchini balls.