Kolokithokeftedes
Zucchini, feta and fresh mint come together in this Greek starter — 60 minutes, 6 steps, and the kind of result worth repeating. Below: the ingredients split into pantry staples and a quick shopping list, a built-in serving scaler, and the method in 6 steps.
You'll mainly reach for frying pan / skillet and pan. At medium difficulty across 6 steps, it's manageable with a little attention. As written, it's meat-free.
What you'll need
Shopping list (4)
Pantry staples (you likely have these)
Diet: vegetarian — no meat or fish, based on every ingredient listed below.
Contains: Gluten Dairy Egg
Allergen labels are informational and may not cover cross-contact; verify every package and consult a qualified professional for medical dietary needs. Diet labels are derived from the ingredient list on this page — how we verify diet and allergen labels.
Food-safety and allergen information is general, not medical advice. Follow current guidance from your local food-safety authority, verify product labels, and seek qualified advice for allergies or health conditions.
How to make it
- Coarsely grate the zucchini, toss it with a teaspoon of salt and leave in a colander for 20 minutes, then squeeze it hard in a clean towel to remove as much water as possible.
- Tip the drained zucchini into a bowl and mix in the crumbled feta, beaten egg, sliced spring onions, chopped mint and dill, grated garlic and a good grind of pepper.
- Sprinkle in the flour a little at a time and stir until the mixture just holds together into a soft, scoopable batter, adding a touch more flour only if it seems too wet.
- Heat a shallow layer of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat until a crumb of batter sizzles on contact.
- Drop heaped tablespoons of the mixture into the oil, flatten slightly, and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until deeply golden and cooked through in the centre.
- Lift the fritters onto paper towels to drain and serve hot with a bowl of tzatziki and lemon wedges for squeezing over.
You'll use: Frying pan / skillet · Pan
What to serve with Kolokithokeftedes
- Garides Saganaki Seafood
- Moussaka Beef
- Honey Yogurt Cheesecake Dessert
- Stuffed Lamb Tomatoes Lamb
Tips & common questions
How long does Kolokithokeftedes take to make?
About 60 minutes from start to finish — an estimate based on the 6 steps and 11 ingredients. Times vary with your kitchen and how much prep you do ahead.
Can I scale this recipe up or down?
Yes — use the servings control above the ingredients and every quantity rescales automatically (fractions included). Cooking times stay roughly the same; very large batches may need a little longer.
Is Kolokithokeftedes vegetarian?
Its ingredients contain no meat, fish or shellfish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. Check any cheese for animal rennet if that matters to you.
Related recipes
Original recipe — developed in-house by Consomee. How we source, test & correct recipes.
Kolokithokeftedes is an original Greek recipe developed in-house by Consomee. Photo: Restaurant Thalámi (Almyrida) - Kolokithokeftedes (courgette or zucchini balls).jpg (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons. We add the serving scaler, ingredient tools, timing and structure on top — how we source recipes.