Walnut Fritters/Keftedes from Northern Greece

5 from 1 vote
There are so many dishes in the Greek kitchen that use unusual but completely natural ingredients as a substitute for meat. Walnuts for example, are often a replacement for ground meat in keftedes (meatballs) and even a few savory pies. This dish is part of the Vlachs cooking, a once-itinerant culture of shepherds who roamed the mountains of northern Greece and settled in areas around the Pindus range, Metsovo and lower into the valleys.
5 from 1 vote

Walnut Fritters/Keftedes from Northern Greece

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 8
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 medium potato about 6oz/170gr peeled
  • 2 cups/225 g all-purpose/plain flour
  • 1 tbs baking soda
  • 2 cups/240g coarsely ground walnuts
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 large red onion finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil or other frying oil
  • Anevato or other soft sour Greek cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Grate or shred the potato with a hand grater or a food processor fitted with a grater disc. Squeeze the excess liquid out of the potato, place in a bowl. Mix in the flour, baking soda, walnuts, garlic, onion and mint. Season with salt and pepper. Knead the mixture until a mass forms that is firm enough to hold its shape. Take a tablespoon at a time and shape into a ball. Pat down to form a patty. Set aside on a large platter or tray.
  • In a large, deep frying pan, heat about 2 in/5 cm of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 365°F/185°C and pan-fry the patties, one batch at a time, until deep gold, flipping once to brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve, accompanied by the Anevato.

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Diane Kochilas is one of the world’s foremost experts on Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. She is the host, creator and co-producer of My Greek Table, the award-winning 13-episode per season cooking-travel show about Greece that airs nationally on Public Television. The series is in its third season.

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