Golden Crisps and Greek Bliss: Mastering Kolokithakia Tiganita - A Traditional Fried Zucchini Recipe

Kolokithakia tiganita is the name of the traditional Greek fried zucchini recipe. This traditional Greek appetizer is so mouthwatering you will have people fighting over it! To avoid this drama, I suggest you make a double batch! The secret to super crispy zucchini is to slice the zucchini as thinly as possible and fry it at high heat so the zucchini has time to cook but does not absorb a lot of oil. To cut the zucchini thin, I suggest you use a long-bladed knife to get uniformly thin slices.

Kolokithakia tiganita

Kolokithakia Tiganita - Ingredients

  • 1 large zucchini, washed, trimmed, and cut into strips or rolls 1/8 to 3/16 inch thick
  • Greek olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 8 ounces of bottled soda water
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

Kolokithakia Tiganita - How to Make

  1. Start this authentic kolokithakia tiganita recipe by cutting the zucchini into slices in half if they are long. Slices measuring about 3 inches long work best.
  2. Put the zucchini slices in a bowl, salt, and let sit for 20 minutes. 
  3. Pour the soda into a bowl, and stir in flour and salt slowly, with the help of a whisk.
  4. Pour off the liquid for the zucchini slices before putting them in the batter.
  5. Take a baking pan and add some olive oil. Bring oil to high heat. 
  6. Coat zucchini in the batter, use a fork to place pieces in oil and fry until they get golden on both sides. 
  7. Take a plate and cover it with absorbent paper. 
  8. Place the kolokithakia tiganita on the plate just long enough to remove excess oil.
  9. Taste to see if additional salt is needed. Add to taste. 
  10. Serve hot.
This appetizer matches greatly with tzatziki and tirosalata. Another delicious Greek zucchini recipe you should definitely try is kolokithokeftedes. Enjoy!