Kolokithokeftedes

Today I would like to show you how to prepare one of my favourite greek veggie starter. Traditional Greek Kolokithokeftedes are the fried zucchini balls and it is a dish which comes from Crete Island but you can find them in the most greek taverns and restaurants.

If you want to make them to perfection they must be fried till extra crispy on the outside because it will preserve their creamy filling. Of course the secret is in the ingredients. You have to use fresh zucchini and feta cheese.

Ingredients:
•    1 kg zucchinis,
•    1 red onion,
•    2 spring onions,
•    2 tablespoons fresh mint,
•    2 eggs,
•    1 1/2 cup feta cheese,
•    salt and freshly ground pepper,
•    2 cups powdered breadcrumbs (or 4 tablespoons self raising flour),
•    2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil,
•    2 tablespoons parsley,
•    oil for frying.

1. Grate the zucchini and place them in a colander with some salt. Squeeze them with your hands to get rid of the excessive water. Leave them for 30 minutes and squeeze them again.
2.  Add all the other ingredients into a large bowl and mix well with your hands, until combined and the mixture is firm enough to make the balls. Add a little more flour if you need. Add olive oil to cover the bottom of the pan, and heat the oil into medium-high heat.
3. Dip a tablespoon in some water and spoon out some of the mixture into the hot oil. Repeat this procedure until the surface off the pan is comfortably filled. You should dip the spoon in the water every time, so that doesn’t stick on it.
4. Fry the kolokithokeftedes for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until nicely colored. Place them on paper towel, to absorb the extra oil.
5. A healthier alternative is to bake the balls. In that case preheat the oven at 180C, oil the bottom of a baking tray and form the balls with your hands. Take a small handful of the mixture and roll into a ball and then flatten into a patty. Place on the baking tray and form the rest of the balls. Brush the top of the ball with some olive oil and bake for 25 minutes. Halfway through cooking time flip the balls and put back to the oven.

This dish is the best served with a light yogurt dip or with some tasty tzatziki.

Enjoy your meal!