Kolokithakia Tiganita: Crispy Greek Fried Zucchini That’s Impossible to Resist
If there’s one dish that perfectly captures the essence of Greek comfort food, it’s Kolokithakia Tiganita. This simple, yet irresistible dish of fried zucchini is one of Greece’s most beloved appetizers or side dishes, often found on the menu at family-run tavernas or served as a snack with a cold glass of ouzo. Lightly battered, crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside, Kolokithakia Tiganita brings out the very best of fresh zucchini, making it a timeless summer favourite (that won't go soggy)! It's my favourite summer mezze!
What is Kolokithakia Tiganita?
Kolokithakia Tiganita is the Greek name for fried zucchini. The word "kolokithaki" means zucchini in Greek, and "tiganita" comes from the verb "tigano", meaning to fry. The dish is incredibly simple but packed with flavour.
In its most traditional form, Kolokithakia Tiganita consists of zucchini that’s sliced into thin rounds or strips, dipped in a light flour-based batter, and then fried until golden and crispy. The result is a wonderfully crunchy exterior with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth interior. The dish is often served as a meze (small appetizer) or as a side to a larger Greek meal.
Frying with Oil I’m a traditional Greek who only uses Extra Virgin Olive Oil for frying. Yes, you need to maintain the heat, but I always keep mine at a medium heat setting (number 6 or 7 on my induction cooktop) that stays around 180°C. The smoke point for Extra virgin olive oil is 210°C, and it only becomes an issue if you repeatedly use the same olive oil for frying over and over again that has reached or passed that temperature. I should also mention that I always shallow fry, never deep fry.
Zucchini You can use dark green zucchinis, but I prefer to use grey zucchini for this meze. It’s more of a summer vegetable, and this recipe is definitely a summer dish!
KOLOKITHAKIA TIGANITA | Fried Zucchini Chips
Mary PolitisIngredients
- 4 grey zucchini sliced thin
- 1/2 cup corn flour
- 1/3 cup self-raising flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt Plus extra for after frying
- Just over 1/2 cup cold water
- Extra virgin olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice zucchini just under 5mm thick.
- Add all the batter ingredients to a bowl and mix well.
- Add enough olive oil to your pan to shallow fry and set it to just over medium heat. Avoid very high temperatures.
- Dip zucchini slices into the batter, allowing any excess to run off. Then, carefully place them into the hot oil, allowing them to fry for approximately 5 minutes, turning them occasionally gently.
- Transfer to a plate with an absorbent paper towel.
- Sprinkle with sea salt, then serve with tzatziki.