Domatokeftedes: Greek Tomato Fritters - A Taste of Culinary Resourcefulness

 Domatokeftedes, also known as tomatokeftedes, carries a rich history as the 'meatballs of the poor.' In times of limited meat availability, Greek ingenuity blossomed, leading to these delectable fritters crafted from vegetables and aromatic herbs.

The key to their irresistible flavor? It all starts with the tomatoes, a lesson I learned during my visit to the enchanting island of Santorini, renowned for its tomatoes. The arid climate and unique volcanic soil bestow Santorini tomatoes with an exceptional aroma and sweet essence. While sourcing these tomatoes may be a challenge, opting for organic, slightly unripe tomatoes ensures a robust flavor profile.

This traditional Santorini-inspired domatokeftedes recipe calls for tomatoes, onions, garlic, mint, basil, dill, baking soda, flour, dill, salt, pepper, and frying oil. Immerse yourself in the flavors of Greece and discover the art of resourceful cooking with this Mediterranean delight.

Domatokeftedes: Greek Tomato Fritters

Domatokeftedes - Ingredients

  • 10 tomatoes, chopped
  • 5 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, grated
  • 2 tablespoons of mint, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of basil, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of dill, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon of baking powder
  • 350 g of flour
  • Frying oil
  • Salt 
  • Pepper 

Domatokeftedes - How to Make

  1. Start this traditional domatokeftedes recipe by taking a bowl. Place the tomatoes, onions, garlic cloves, basil, mint, and dill. Mix well with your hands until you get a homogeneous mixture.
  2. Add the baking powder, salt, pepper, and flour to the tomato mixture.
  3. Mix with a wooden spoon and check the consistency of the mixture. If it's too loose, you may need to add some more flour.
  4. Take some of the mixture with a big spoon and shape it into a fritter. 
  5. Repeat this process until all mixture has been used.
  6. Take a frying pan and pour the frying oil. Bring to a boil over high temperature. 
  7. Place fritters one by one into hot oil and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  8. Place the domatokeftedes on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. 
  9. Serve.

I like eating domatokeftedes topped with some crumbled feta cheese. If you want to try other recipes from Santorini, you should check out this fava recipe. Enjoy!