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Courgette balls

⏱ 35 min🍳 5 min👤 4 pp★★★☆☆

Fancy a holiday by the sea, under the blue sky? Imagine a small unpretentious restaurant, overlooking the sea, in a village on a Greek island. Sit at a table and enjoy the fresh sea air. From around the tavern emanates an inviting aroma that reminds you of home and enjoyable social gatherings. You can smell the mint which grows wild a few metres below you, and the courgettes, fresh and fragrant as ever during the summer season... the crickets chirp wildly, while you order a carafe of white wine. Cool and refreshing, it helps to pass the time ... until these tzukini balls appear in front of you, tasty and aromatic ... and, of course, they disappear in a second! Well, prepare to live this dream! These delicious Greek "meatballs" will amaze you! They are simple to prepare, excellent either as a starter or as a vegetarian main course. I love them. They have a single flaw ... they will disappear very quickly! You really must try them.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 245 kcal / serving
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
18g
Fat
14g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

Information
35 minutes Total time
5 minutes Active time
Serves 4 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Let's see how long it takes and what’s needed to make these meatballs "the Greek way". In a bowl, soak the stale bread with the milk. After a few minutes, using a pestle, reduce the bread to a pulp and add the egg. Cut the courgettes into small cubes and add to the mixture along with the feta. Coarsely chop the mint and oregano and add to the mixture, stirring well. Add the bread crumbs, salt and pepper and stir. Let it stand for 15-20 minutes. Now shape them into balls of about 3 cm in diameter; coat them in breadcrumbs before placing them neatly on a large dish. Heat 1 litre of cooking oil in a deep frying pan or deep-fat fryer and fry the patties for 5 minutes. These fantastic tzukini balls are ready: serve with some lovely tzatziki sauce.

Tips
To make your courgette balls even more irresistible you could also use some top quality natural Greek yogurt, perfect as a light and tasty accompaniment.
Trivia
The origin of these courgette balls is on the Greek island of Crete.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Zucchini Balls with Greek feta and zucchini

One of the tastiest variations of Zucchini Balls is the one that combines zucchini with Greek feta. This combination not only enhances the flavor of the meatballs but also gives a unique creaminess to the dish. To prepare this recipe, it is essential to use good quality feta, which melts perfectly into the mixture. The addition of mint and oregano makes everything fresh and aromatic, ideal for an appetizer or a light main course. The preparation is simple: just mix the diced zucchini with the bread soaked in milk and the eggs, then form balls to cook in a pan or in the oven. This dish is perfect for those looking for a vegetarian alternative, rich in Mediterranean flavors.

Greek-style Zucchini Balls with mint and oregano

Zucchini Balls can be prepared following a Greek culinary tradition, where the use of aromatic herbs like mint and oregano is fundamental. This regional variation enhances the fresh and fragrant flavors typical of Greek cuisine. The meatballs, once cooked, can be served with a tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumbers, and garlic, for a perfect pairing. The preparation requires mixing the zucchini with the bread, feta, and spices, then frying or baking. This approach not only makes the dish delicious but also offers a great opportunity to explore the flavors of Greece, bringing a piece of the Mediterranean to our table.

Light Zucchini Balls with fresh ingredients

For those who wish to enjoy Zucchini Balls in a lighter version, some modifications can be made to the original recipe. By replacing traditional bread with whole grain bread and using less oil for cooking, a healthier preparation is achieved. Additionally, one can opt for baking instead of frying, thus reducing the calorie content. This light variant still maintains the flavor and texture of the original meatballs, thanks to the use of fresh and genuine ingredients like zucchini and feta. Prepared this way, Zucchini Balls can be an excellent choice for those following a balanced diet without sacrificing taste.

Zucchini Balls: benefits of zucchini and approximate calories

Zucchini, the main ingredient of Zucchini Balls, is a highly nutritious and versatile vegetable. Rich in water, fiber, and vitamins, zucchini helps maintain hydration and promotes digestion. Furthermore, they are low in calories, making them an excellent choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. A serving of Zucchini Balls made with zucchini and feta provides about 150-200 calories, depending on the cooking method and ingredients used. This dish is therefore ideal for those seeking a light yet satisfying meal, rich in flavors and essential nutrients for daily well-being.

Can Zucchini Balls be frozen?

Zucchini Balls can be frozen without any problems, making them a great option for meal prep in advance. To freeze them best, it is advisable to cook them first and let them cool completely. Once cooled, they can be arranged on a tray in a single layer and placed in the freezer. After a few hours, they can be transferred to food bags or airtight containers to prevent them from sticking together. When you want to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat them in the oven or in a pan. This way, you will always have a delicious appetizer or main course ready to use.