Greek Tomato Fritters Recipe

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Golden, crispy on the outside and bursting with juicy, sun-kissed flavors on the inside—Greek Tomato Fritters, or “Domatokeftedes,” are a beloved specialty from the sun-drenched island of Santorini. These savory fritters offer a refreshing break from the ordinary with their vibrant mix of ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a touch of spice. The lightly pan-fried patties are perfect as a meze, snack, or even a vegetarian main course.

What makes these fritters unforgettable is their texture—a perfectly crunchy crust that gives way to a soft, herby, tomato-rich center. Whether served with a dollop of tzatziki, a squeeze of lemon, or simply as they are, each bite delivers a taste of the Mediterranean coast. Simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s satisfying, rustic, and full of character.

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Ingredients for this Greek Tomato Fritters Recipe

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, finely chopped or grated
• 1 small red onion, finely diced
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for frying

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Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Start by washing and finely chopping or grating the ripe tomatoes. If your tomatoes are very juicy, place them in a colander and let the excess liquid drain for about 10–15 minutes. This prevents the fritter batter from becoming too wet and helps achieve a crispier texture when frying.

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Step 2: Mix the Vegetables and Herbs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes with the finely diced red onion, sliced spring onions, chopped parsley, and chopped mint. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. If you’re using feta cheese, gently fold it into the mixture now.

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Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the flour and baking powder, then season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir well until a thick, slightly sticky batter forms. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when spooned onto a pan. Add a bit more flour if the mixture is too loose.

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Step 4: Heat the Oil

Pour enough olive oil into a large skillet to generously coat the bottom. Heat over medium-high heat until shimmering. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small spoonful of batter into the pan—if it sizzles, you’re good to go.

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Step 5: Fry the Fritters

Using a tablespoon or small ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if needed.

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Step 6: Drain and Serve

Remove the fritters from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve warm, garnished with extra herbs or a side of tzatziki sauce if desired.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per 2 fritters (approximate values):

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fat: 11g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg

Note: These values may vary depending on the size of the fritters and if feta cheese is included.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Greek Tomato Fritters without cheese?

Absolutely! Feta is optional. Omitting it makes the recipe 100% dairy-free and vegan-friendly.

2. What kind of tomatoes work best?

Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes—Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes work great. Avoid overly juicy ones unless you plan to drain them well.

3. Can I bake them instead of frying?

Yes, though they’ll be less crispy. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make it gluten-free.

5. Can I add other vegetables?

Sure! Finely grated zucchini or carrots work well—just make sure to squeeze out their moisture before mixing.

6. What’s the best dipping sauce for these?

Tzatziki is classic, but you can also serve them with yogurt-garlic sauce or a spicy aioli.

7. How do I make the fritters crispier?

Drain excess tomato juice, use fresh oil for frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat.

8. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, the batter can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 hours. Stir well before frying.

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