Kolokithokeftedes (Zucchini Patties) with Yogurt Dill Sauce

Kolokithokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Patties) are a summer staple in Greece, packed with ripe zucchini, pan fried to crispy perfection and served with Greek yogurt dill sauce.

If there’s one thing my family appreciates, it’s a recipe made with fresh vegetables from our own garden.

Which is why this family recipe is a great way to utilize your abundance of summer zucchini and herbs.

what are kolokithokeftedes?

Kolokithokeftedes pronounced kolo-keetho-kef-tethes are a traditional Greek appetizer made with zucchini.

The word Kolokithokeftedes translates to ‘zucchini meatballs’ but this is a vegetarian dish with no meat in it.

What ingredients do i need FOR KOLOKITHOKEFTEDES?

Zucchini – you may need 2-3 zucchinis depending on the size. Use the large side of a box grater to grate the unpeeled zucchini.

Eggs – beat until frothy before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Parmesan – I like to buy a wedge of parmesan and grate if myself, but any grated parmesan will work.

Breadcrumbs – fine plain breadcrumbs are best.

Flour – use an all-purpose flour or swap for gluten free version if needed.

Baking powder – is added to create a fluffier patty.

Onion powder – is a good flavor to balance the zucchini.

Greek yogurt – choose a plain whole Greek yogurt for best results.

Dill – fresh chopped dill is best, but you can swap for dried dill if needed.

Lemon juice – fresh lemon juice is used to enhance the tangy flavor of the dip.

Garlic powder – garlic powder is a great addition to the dill sauce, but you could also use freshly minced garlic for a stronger garlic flavor.

How do you make kolokithokeftedes?

Step 1 – Mix together ingredients for yogurt dill sauce in a medium bowl and place in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 2 – Using the large side of a box grater, grate zucchini and set aside. Grate parmesan if needed and set aside.

Step 3 – Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl until frothy. Add zucchini, parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, baking powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until combined.

Step 4 – Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of mixture to pan for each patty. Use your spoon to flatten into round shape. Cook for 3 minutes per side or until browned. Remove to wire rack and immediately sprinkle with salt.

Step 5 – Add more butter to pan as needed and repeat with the rest of the mixture.

TIP: zucchini patties can easily fall apart when flipping. The best way to avoid this is to ensure the bottom side is cooked and crisp before flipping, similar to a pancake.

What do you eat with zucchini patties?

You will typically find zucchini patties or fritters served on a mezze platter with tzatziki in Greek tavernas.

But I also like to make them as a healthy side dish at home. They pair perfectly with main courses like chicken, lamb, fish or steak.

Or I eat them fresh out of the pan with a little salt and side of yogurt dill sauce for an easy and satisfying summer snack.

storing and freezing instructions

Storing – place cooked patties in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 2 days.

Freezing – place cooked patties in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating – thaw out frozen patties and reheat for 15-20 minutes. Cook time will be much longer since frozen.

RECIPE FAQ’S

RECOMMENDED TOOLS

• Box grater
• Griddle

more greek recipes you’ll love

• Greek Eggplant Dip
• Feta and Tomato Phyllo Tart
• Greek Feta Potato Salad

RECIPE VIDEO

@spoonfulofsi

We need a zucchini emoji🙄 Recipe👇 Yogurt Dill Sauce: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped 1 tbsp lemon juice 1/4 tsp garlic powder 1/8 tsp salt 1/8 tsp black pepper Zucchini Patties: 3 cups unpeeled zucchini (about 2-3 zucchini), grated 3 eggs, beaten 6 tbsp parmesan, grated 6 tbsp plain breadcrumbs 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp baking powder 3/4 tsp onion powder 3/4 tsp salt 1/2 tsp black pepper 2 tbsp butter for cooking Instructions 1. Mix together ingredients for yogurt dill sauce in a medium bowl and place in the fridge until ready to use. 2. Using the large side of a box grater, grate zucchini and set aside. Grate parmesan if needed and set aside. 3. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl until frothy. Add zucchini, parmesan, breadcrumbs, flour, baking powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Mix until combined. 4. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of mixture to pan for each patty. Use your spoon to flatten into round shape. 5. Cook for 3 minutes per side or until browned. Remove to wire rack and immediately sprinkle with salt. 6. Add more butter to pan as needed and repeat with the rest of the mixture. #zucchini #zucchinipatties #zucchinifritters #vegetablerecipes #summerrecipes #healthyrecipes #recipevideo #sidedish #vegetarian

♬ Tom’s Diner – 7″ Version – DNA

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