Fried Zucchini Patties a.k.a Kolokithokeftedes

                                        Fried Zucchini Patties a.k.a Kolokithokeftedes

                                                       

I  know summer time has stepped in when my mother - in - law keeps sending me fresh zucchini, it's time to make Fried Zucchini Patties. Due that we have English people on our island  they are also referred to as courgettes. Kolokithikeftedes ( I think subliminally, I'm trying to teach you how to order in  Greek ;) ) as I was saying, kolokithokeftedes are a Greek ouzo meze ( hors d' ouevre). This meze is served at traditional taverns and restaurant all over the Greek Islands. A trial and error recipe as I like to call it, it takes a lot of practice to perfect. You can always add or subtract ingredients, next time I might add mushrooms to the mix. This is a great side dish when you have french fries, lentil or bean soup.You can even add an American twist to it, stay tuned and  keep reading and find out how. :)

3 pounds of zucchini ( courgettes ) 

Ingredients:

3 pounds of zucchini

5 small fresh onions ( should make 2 cups) 

2 tablespoons fresh or dried dill

2 tablespoons fresh parsley

1 medium sized tomato ( pureed) 

1 tablespoon mint

1 teaspoon paprika ( only if you like it)
1 teaspoon oregano

4C breadcrumbs 1 cup for the mixture and the rest for making the patties ( This is the American twist and this idea was my cousin's) 

2 whole eggs

1 cup crumbled feta cheese (preferably Kefalonia feta if not, any feta will do)

5 cups self rising flour ( This varies anywhere from 2 - 5 cups) depending on amount of zucchini or preference) 

salt and pepper to pepper
Salt- add 2 tablespoons of salt, keep in mind the feta cheese is salty.

Corn oil and and olive oil

Shred your zucchini in a colander strainer and set aside to drip, they usually retain water.

Some pictures of the ingredients, below are the fresh onions. Cut your onions in small pieces place in pan with 1/3 cup of olive oil and saute for about 10 minutes.

                                                      

Below the sauteed onions 

  

I used fresh frozen parsley,  I chopped it up in the blender and placed it in the mixture.  

Kefalonia feta cheese that I crumbled up , comes out to 1 cup.

This is how your mixture should look, make sure it's not running. 

Remove the shredded zucchini from the strainer and place it in a bowl. Put your sauteed onions, pureed tomato, parsley, dill, eggs ( scramble them first), and crumbled feta in the mixture with the zucchini. Mix well ,add 1 cup of 4c bread crumbs, then add 5 cups of self rising flour. Mix very well, your mixture will not be pliable, just enough flour so you are able to work with it. Let it stand in the refrigerator for an hour. Remove and excess water and begin to make you zucchini patties.

 

This is the last part before frying your patties, scoop it out as shown in the picture with a tablespoon. Place a scoop of the mixture into the bread crumbs. I used plain bread crumbs you can use 4C breadcrumbs, then begin forming your patties.

This is how your patty should look.

Fill your deep frying pan with olive oil and corn oil. Make sure the oil covers half of the patty. You can add half and half of both oils. I added more olive oil and 3 cups of corn oil.We use corn oil because it's sweeter and it gives the patties a sweet taste. My mommy's secret, the oil has to be sizzling hot before your fry your patties.

Look! I have captured the fog from the sizzle.

You should deep fry for about two minutes or until they have this color. The object is, for the patties to be crispy on the outside and a soft spongy inside. As you can see in the picture, place paper towels, on  the bottom of your plate so the patties can drain out all the oil on the towels.

And your zucchini patties are ready ! Kale Orexi !!! My kids and hubby loved them !!