What are Greek tomato fritters and how do you make them?

Greek tomato fritters, known as "Domatokeftedes," are savory patties made primarily from ripe tomatoes, herbs like mint and parsley, onions, and a binding agent such as flour or breadcrumbs. To make them, finely chop the tomatoes and mix with chopped herbs, onion, and seasoning, then add flour to bind the mixture. Form the mix into small patties and fry them in olive oil until golden brown on both sides. They are typically served as an appetizer or side dish and are popular in the island cuisine of Santorini.

What type of tomatoes work best for Greek tomato fritters?

For the best flavor and texture in tomato fritters, use ripe, juicy tomatoes with fewer seeds and firm flesh. Roma or plum tomatoes are excellent because they hold up well during frying and offer a concentrated flavor. Avoid watery varieties as they can make the batter too wet, making it difficult to form patties. If tomatoes are very juicy, drain excess liquid or gently squeeze before mixing to prevent soggy fritters.

Can Greek tomato fritters be made gluten-free?

Yes, Greek tomato fritters can easily be made gluten-free by substituting regular flour or breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives such as chickpea flour, rice flour, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. These options help bind the ingredients while keeping the fritters crispy. Additionally, check that any other paired seasonings or additives are gluten-free to maintain the purity of the dish.

How should I serve Greek tomato fritters for the best taste experience?

Greek tomato fritters are best served warm, often accompanied by a yogurt-based sauce or tzatziki, which balances their savory flavor with cool creaminess. They pair well with a crisp green salad or as part of a meze platter featuring olives, feta cheese, and pita bread. For added zest, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice over the fritters before serving.

How long can I store leftover tomato fritters, and how do I reheat them?

Leftover tomato fritters can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain their crispness, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warm, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. Alternatively, quickly pan-fry them in a bit of olive oil over medium heat to refresh their texture before serving.

Greek Tomato Fritters Recipe With Crispy Fresh Herbs

Name: Greek Tomato Fritters
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: – 450 g (1 lb) sweet tomatoes, ideally cherry or plum; – ½ small red onion or 3 spring onions; – 2 tbsp chopped basil or mint; – 1 tbsp chopped oregano; – ¼ tsp cinnamon; – a pinch of sugar; – ½ tsp salt; – ¼ tsp pepper; – Approximately 160 g (1¼ cups) all-purpose or gluten-free flour mix; – ½ tsp baking soda

Description

🍅 Greek Tomato Fritters offer a delightful combination of fresh herbs and sweet tomatoes for a crispy, flavorful bite.
🌿 This recipe is perfect for those seeking a tasty vegetarian appetizer or snack with a satisfying texture and vibrant Mediterranean taste.

Ingredients

– 450 g (1 lb) sweet tomatoes, ideally cherry or plum

– ½ small red onion or 3 spring onions

– 2 tbsp chopped basil or mint

– 1 tbsp chopped oregano

– ¼ tsp cinnamon

– a pinch of sugar

– ½ tsp salt

– ¼ tsp pepper

– Approximately 160 g (1¼ cups) all-purpose or gluten-free flour mix

– ½ tsp baking soda

Instructions

1-Start by washing and dicing 450 g of sweet tomatoes finely, letting any excess juice drain to avoid a soggy batter that’s a tip I learned from my first attempt, which turned out a bit too wet!

2-Next, in a big mixing bowl, combine the herbs like 2 tbsp chopped basil or mint, 1 tbsp chopped oregano, ½ small red onion or 3 spring onions, along with ¼ tsp cinnamon, a pinch of sugar, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Gradually add about 160 g of flour until you get that thick, pancake-like consistency, then fold in ½ tsp baking soda just before you’re ready to cook. Let the batter chill in the fridge for at least an hour, or overnight if you can it’s like giving the flavors a chance to party and get even better.

3-Once rested, heat 120 ml of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Spoon the batter in, frying for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, or try deep frying for extra crispiness without flattening them. After cooking, drain on paper towels and serve warm with a side like vegan Greek yoghurt mixed with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and maybe some grated garlic for that extra zing. Each fritter clocks in at around 140 calories, with 10 g fat and 12 g carbs, making it a solid choice for diet-conscious eaters. Pro tip: Preparation takes about 15 minutes, and cooking another 20, yielding 10-12 fritters perfect for a quick meal!

Notes

🍅 Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
🌿 Rest the batter overnight to intensify the herb and tomato flavors.
🍳 Shallow frying keeps oil absorption lower; baking at 200°C is a healthier alternative but less crispy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fritter
Calories: 140
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: Approx. 300 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: Greek tomato fritters, fresh herb fritters, crispy fritters, Mediterranean appetizer