Santorini Tomato Patties Recipe

Let’s dive into the savory world of Greek-inspired tomato patties, where juicy tomatoes and fragrant herbs come together to create a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to a sunlit Mediterranean getaway.

My Santorini Tomato Patties are a delightful dish from the Mediterranean that are packed with flavor. It’s hard to beat the combination of ripe tomatoes and finely chopped red and green onions, the raw part of this recipe that offers an extra kick when enjoying these patties.

Fresh mint, parsley, and oregano add an aromatic thread throughout that makes these a little more special. Also a surprise ingredient: Feta cheese makes this dish copious with creamy taste while not straying from delicious nutritional value.

Santorini Tomato Patties Recipe Ingredients

• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, providing a juicy, slightly tangy base.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and essential crunch with beneficial fibers.
• Green Onions: Offers a fresh, peppery flavor, adding vibrancy and greens to the dish.
• Fresh Mint: Gives a refreshing, aromatic lift with digestive benefits.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, herbaceous note full of antioxidants and vitamins.
• Fresh Oregano: Imparts earthiness and depth, boasting antibacterial properties.
• Feta Cheese: Optional; adds creaminess and a salty tang with protein and calcium.
• Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, perfect for frying, enhancing flavor and texture.

Santorini Tomato Patties Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb (450 g) ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Olive oil, for frying

How to Make this Santorini Tomato Patties Recipe

1. In a big mixing bowl, blend the tomatoes, red onion, green onions, mint, parsley, and oregano. Stir nicely to incorporate all the ingredients.

2. If you are using the cheese, fold it in gently, making sure it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

3. In another bowl, blend the flour, the baking powder, the salt, and the ground black pepper.

4. Slowly incorporate the dry mixture of flour and other ingredients into the kind of wet mixture you would use for making a tomato sauce, mixing gently until everything is just combined. The final state of the mixture should be something like a thick pancake batter. If it’s still on the thin side, add a bit more flour; if it’s too thick and clumpy, add water.

5. Warm a liberal quantity of olive oil in a sizable sauté pan over medium heat.

6. When the oil is hot, scoop up about a tablespoon of batter and carefully drop it into the pan. Use the back of the spoon to slightly flatten it—that’s right, pat it down—into a disc shape. You want it not too thick, not too thin, and above all, you want it to hold together.

7. Do not crowd the pan when frying the patties, and fry them in batches. Cook each side of the patty for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.

8. Remove the patties from the pan with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Excess oil drains away from the patties and into the paper towels.

9. Complete the frying process until all the batter is gone, adding more olive oil to the frying pan as necessary.

10. Warm the tomato patties before serving, and feel free to add even more fresh herbs as garnish if you so desire. They work wonderfully as a first course or as a dish to eat alongside something else.

Santorini Tomato Patties Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk or spoon (for mixing)
3. Sauté pan
4. Slotted spoon
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Plate lined with paper towels
9. Optional: Peeler (for tomatoes)
10. Optional: Additional mixing bowl (if using cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?Using canned tomatoes in a pinch is fine, but fresh tomatoes are the best for achieving that authentic, bold flavor. When using canned tomatoes, be sure to drain them very well before chopping.
• What can I use as a substitute for feta cheese?You can leave out the cheese for a dairy-free version, or use another similar cheese that crumbles, such as ricotta salata or goat cheese.
• How do I ensure the patties hold together well while cooking?Chop the ingredients finely and mix the batter until it holds together. If the batter is too wet, add a little more flour.
• Can I bake these instead of frying?Certainly, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) on a greased baking sheet for approximately 20-25 minutes or until they achieve a lovely golden color, turning them once halfway through the process.
• What is the best type of oil to use for frying?Olive oil is customary and contributes wonderful taste, but you can also use oils like vegetable or canola if you want.
• Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?Certainly, you are able to prepare the combination several hours ahead of time and maintain it in a cold storage area until you are set to heat the patties.
• Is it necessary to peel and seed the tomatoes?The tomatoes are peeled and seeded to help reduce moisture. Without this step, it is impossible to get the right texture and consistency.

Santorini Tomato Patties Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One pound (450 g) of ripe tomatoes can be replaced by using canned tomatoes. Use 1 lb (450 g) of canned tomatoes that have been drained and finely chopped.
You can substitute 2-3 green onions with chives or shallots.
Fresh mint, 2 tbsp can be substituted with basil for a different flavor profile.
1 cup all-purpose flour can be swapped out for chickpea flour for a gluten-free alternative.
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese or omitted for a version that is free of dairy.

Pro Tips

1. Tomato Preparation Tip To peel the tomatoes easily, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice water bath. The skins should slip off effortlessly, making your prep work a breeze.

2. Flavor Boost Roast the tomatoes briefly before chopping them for a richer flavor. This will enhance their natural sweetness and depth, adding more complexity to your patties.

3. Herb Variation Experiment with adding a small amount of fresh dill or basil to the herb mix for a subtle variation in flavor. These herbs complement the existing mix and can enhance the overall taste profile.

4. Crisp Frying Tip Ensure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the batter. A small drop of batter should sizzle immediately upon contact. This prevents the patties from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy.

5. Cheese Option If you decide to include feta cheese, leave some chunks slightly larger. This will provide small bursts of creamy, salty flavor throughout the patties, adding texture and interest to each bite.