Recipe Of The Day Santorini Tomato Fritters

Let’s dive into this vibrant and delicious recipe that brings together zesty tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and a touch of crispy magic. Get ready to impress yourself (and your friends) with these delectable tomato fritters that are perfect for any gathering or just a night in with something extra special.

I love making plates of food that send me to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean, and these Santorini Tomato Fritters do just that. With the freshness of ripe tomatoes, aromatic red and spring onions, and the herby zing of mint, parsley, and oregano combined with the crispness from frying in olive oil, these fritters are a delightful burst of flavor and texture.

Nutritionally, they offer a good source of vitamins A and C from the tomatoes, making them both delicious and healthful.

Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Packed with vitamins A and C; rich in antioxidants.
• Red Onion: Offers a mild sweetness; high in fiber and vitamin C.
• Mint: Adds fresh, aromatic flavor; aids digestion and contains antioxidants.
• Parsley: Rich in vitamins K, C, and A; adds a bright, herbaceous note.
• Oregano: Provides an earthy, robust flavor; contains antibacterial properties.
• Olive Oil: Source of healthy fats; enhances the flavor and texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

How to Make this

1. In a big mixing bowl, put together the tomatoes, red onion, and spring onions, all finely chopped. Mix well so that the ingredients are evenly mixed.

2. Place the fresh mint and parsley in the bowl and stir to combine the herbs with the tomato and onion mixture.

3. Dust the dried oregano over the blend and add a liberal amount of salt and pepper to taste.

4. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and the baking powder, and whisk them together.

5. Slowly add the flour mix to the tomato mix, and stir them together until a thick batter forms. Make sure that all the ingredients are nicely blended together, but don’t mix them too much.

6. Allow the batter to sit for about 10-15 minutes. This lets the flavors meld. It also gives the moisture from the tomatoes a chance to be absorbed slightly by the flour.

7. In a large skillet, heat medium to large amounts of olive oil over a medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry in but not to the point of smoking.

8. Employing a tablespoon, take up the batter and deftly release it into the oil, which should be very hot. Once the batter is in the oil, use the back of the spoon to slightly flatten the fritter.

9. Fry the fritters in small groups so that you have enough room to work. Turn them once so that they cook evenly and brown nicely. And don’t forget that last step: Letting your fritters drain for a bit on paper towels really helps give them that extra crunch.

10. Take the fritters from the skillet and allow them to drain on paper towels. Enjoy them as soon as possible, while they are still warm, and consider serving them with one of the following:

A. Tzatziki
B. A bracing, vinegary salad

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Medium mixing bowl
3. Whisk
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Chopping board
6. Knife
7. Skillet
8. Stove
9. Tablespoon
10. Spatula
11. Paper towels

FAQ

• Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?A: The best flavor and texture come from fresh tomatoes, but if necessary, you can substitute drained canned tomatoes.
• Q: Is it possible to make these fritters gluten-free?A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free.
• Q: How can I store leftover fritters?A: An airtight container in the refrigerator is the best place for leftover fritters. Keep them in such a container for no more than 2 days and then eat or toss. Reheat in the oven; don’t be tempted to use a microwave, or else you’ll end up with sad, limp, leftover fritters.
• Q: Can I add other herbs or spices?A: Totally! You can tinker around with various herbs like dill or basil. Or put in a pinch of chili flakes if you want a more spicy rendition.
• Q: What dips or sauces pair well with these fritters?A: These fritters are scrumptious served with a simple yogurt and garlic sauce, or even a zesty tomato salsa.
• Q: Can these be made in advance?You can mix the batter a few hours before you want to fry the fritters, and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Recipe Of The Day Santorini Tomato Fritters Substitutions and Variations

For canned tomatoes, use well-drained diced tomatoes or chopped cherry tomatoes.

If you don’t have red onion, use shallots or substitute with white onion.
Substitute chives or leeks, cut fine, for spring onions.
Substitute dried mint for fresh mint; begin with 1 tablespoon and adjust to your liking.
If parsley isn’t available fresh, use 1 tablespoon of dried parsley.

Pro Tips

1. Tomato Juiciness: Before adding the tomatoes to the batter, you might want to gently squeeze out excess juice or let them drain for a bit. This will prevent the batter from becoming too runny and help maintain the desired consistency for the fritters.