Greek Tomato or Ntomatokeftedes: A taste of Santorini
When it comes to Greek cuisine, there’s no shortage of dishes that are vibrant, fresh, and full of personality. But few capture the essence of Greek summer as perfectly as tomatokeftedes—crispy, golden Greek tomato fritters. This beloved dish hails from the sun-soaked island of Santorini, where tomatoes ripen in the volcanic soil and the warm breezes infuse everything with a unique sweetness.
Made from ripe, juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and just a hint of onion, tomatokeftedes are an explosion of flavours in every bite. Whether served as an appetiser, snack, or light meal, these fritters are a perfect way to showcase the bright, bold tastes of the Greece.
What are Tomatokeftedes?
The name tomatokeftedes comes from the Greek words tomato and keftedes (which means "meatballs" or "fritters"). As the name suggests, these are fritters made from ripe, juicy tomatoes mixed with a simple batter, then fried to golden perfection. The result is a crispy outside and a tender, savory inside that’s packed with flavour.
In Greece, particularly in the Cyclades (the Greek islands), tomatoes are incredibly sweet and flavorful, which makes them the star of this dish. Combined with fresh herbs like oregano, mint, and dill, and sometimes with a little onion or a sprinkle of feta cheese, tomatokeftedes offer a delightful mix of tangy, herbaceous, and savory notes, all in one delicious fritter.
NTOMATOKEFTEDES | Greek Tomato Fritters
Mary PolitisIngredients
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes scraped of the seeds and flesh then chopped
- 1/2 red or brown onion chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
- 100 g Feta cheese crumbled
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 1/2 cup fine semolina
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Salt very minimal and pepper
Instructions
- Extra virgin olive oil for shallow frying or any other frying oil of your choice
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Initially, the mixture will seem dry; continue mixing, and the tomatoes will begin to release liquid, enough for the mixture to stick together and a patty can be shaped and formed.
- Use a heaped tablespoon amount to create a fritter shape in your hands and fry over medium/high heat for approximately 2 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Transfer the hot fritters onto a plate with absorbent towels to soak any excess oil. Serve immediately with Tzatziki and enjoy.