Go Back
+ servings

Tomatokeftedes (Fried Tomato Balls) with Yogurt Sauce

Giorgos Tsoulis
This traditional dish from the island of Santorini, Greece is a perfect summer appetizer and best served with a delicious side of yogurt sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Greek
Servings 9 servings

Ingredients
  

For the tomato fritters:

  • 1 kg tomatoes finely chopped
  • 2 medium onions finely chopped
  • 210 g feta cheese crumbled
  • 200 g fine semolina
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp dry oregano
  • 15 basil leaves finely chopped
  • salt
  • pepper
  • sunflower oil for frying

For the yogurt sauce:

  • 400 g strained yogurt
  • 4 tsp mint finely chopped
  • 2 tsp lime juice
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • salt
  • pepper

Instructions
 

For the tomato fritters:

  • Place all the tomato fritter ingredients in a deep bowl and mix well with your hands until all the ingredients are well combined. Cover the bowl with cellophane wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  • Remove from refrigerator. Take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into a round ball. Repeat the process for the remaining mixture.
  • Heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a deep pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the tomato fritters and fry until golden brown.
  • Remove the fritters with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Allow them to drain.

For the yogurt sauce:

  • In a bowl, mix together the strained yogurt, mint, lime juice, and olive oil, well seasoned with salt and pepper. Mix until all of the ingredients are completely combined.
  • Serve the tomato fritters with the yogurt sauce.

Notes

Chef’s tip: Chilling the mixture in the refrigerator contributes to achieving fluffier tomato balls.
In case the tomatoes are overly ripe, allow them to strain in a colander to eliminate excess juice.
Tomatokeftedes (Fried Tomato Balls) with Yogurt Sauce
Tomatokeftedes (Fried Tomato Balls) with Yogurt Sauce
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!