Traditional Greek recipes: Lenten Kolokithokeftedes

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Mary Politis from Mary’s Kouzina has all your Lenten needs sorted with her fasting kolokithokeftedes recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 3 compressed cups grated pumpkin.
  • 2-3 spring onions – chopped.
  • 1/2 cup chopped dill.
  • 1/3 cup chopped mint.
  • 1/3 cup aquafava (canned chick pea water).
  • 1/2 cup self raising flour (more if needed).
  • 1/2 cup fine semolina.
  • 5 Tbsp olive oil for the mixture + oil for frying.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.
Photo supplied: Mary’s Kouzina.

Method:

Place the grated pumpkin into a cloth and twist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Add it to a bowl with the remainder of the ingredients. 

In a large pan drizzled with a olive oil place a heaped tablespoon amount of mixture onto the hot surface shaping it into a fritter. It’s always best to do one test kolokithokefte first, this way you can check for seasoning and/or if you need to add more flour or semolina to stabilise the mix. 

You’ll know if your mixture needs adjusting if it is difficult to flip in the pan and is a little too soggy once cooked. Once you’ve made the adjustments continue with the rest of the mixture and place on absorbent paper towels. Makes approximately 20 fritters.

Check out Mary’s Kouzina for more incredible recipes.

READ MORE: Cooking with Greek Food Bloggers: Mary Politis’ Baked Soutzoukakia with Potatoes.

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