2022-11-01
By American Kitchen
American Cuisine
Dessert
While traditional frying is ideal, you can use the slow cooker to make a lighter, stewed version of kolokithokeftedes. Mix the zucchini fritter ingredients, then set your slow cooker to "Low" for 2-3 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together, resulting in tender, flavorful fritters without the frying process.
Use the "Saute" function to cook your zucchini mixture for 5 minutes until lightly golden, helping to bind the ingredients together. Afterward, cook the fritters on a trivet with a small amount of water at the "Pressure Cook" setting for 2-3 minutes. The Instant Pot’s pressure function locks in moisture, ensuring the fritters remain soft and flavorful.
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Form the fritters and arrange them in a single layer, lightly spraying them with oil to enhance crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender without the mess of deep frying.
Grated zucchini is the main ingredient in Kolokithokeftedes batter, but its high moisture content can make the batter too wet. To achieve the perfect texture, it is important to remove excess moisture from the zucchini. Simply salt the grated zucchini, let it sit for a few minutes, and then squeeze out the liquid using a clean kitchen towel. This step ensures the batter is firm and easy to shape.
The batter for Kolokithokeftedes requires the right balance of breadcrumbs to hold everything together. Too little breadcrumbs and the batter will be too loose; too much and it becomes dry. Start by adding a small amount of breadcrumbs and gradually increase until the mixture forms a cohesive ball that holds together well.
The key to flavorful Kolokithokeftedes lies in the seasoning. The challenge is balancing the fresh herbs and spices to complement the zucchini's mild flavor. A mix of fresh dill, mint, and parsley combined with garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika will provide depth and complexity. Taste the batter and adjust as needed to ensure the flavors are well-balanced.
Kolokithokeftedes are best when fried to a golden brown, crispy exterior. The key to achieving this is frying at the right temperature—350-375°F (175-190°C). If the oil is too hot, the fritters may burn; if it's too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and a crisp, golden finish.
Kolokithokeftedes are traditionally served as an appetizer or snack, and the right accompaniment can elevate the dish. Pair them with refreshing tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor. For a well-rounded meal, serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a Greek-style salad to balance out the richness of the fritters.
Preparation Time 10 min
Cook Time 15 min
Total time 25 min
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