Authentic Santorini Tomato Fritters

This summery Greek tomato fritters recipe is a quintessential dish from Santorini, Greece. Made from tomatoes and aromatic herbs and then pan-fried until golden brown, these easy-to-make fritters are intensely flavorful. Escape to Santorini with each bite of this tasty appetizer.

What is Santorini Tomato Fritters?

Greek tomato fritters, are also known as “tomatokeftedes” or “domatokeftedes.”

They are a traditional Greek dish that originated on the beautiful island of Santorini in Greece. 

The main ingredients typically include Santorini tomatoes, flour, onion, fresh herbs such as mint and parsley, and sometimes tomato paste is added for richness. 

The famous Santorini tomatoes used in these fritters are also known as Tomataki Santorinis. 

They grow exclusively on the island of Santorini and have PDO geographic status recognition.

These tomatoes grow in windy and arid conditions and are known for their intense flavors and sweetness due to the climate and rich volcanic soils.

Lightly fried to golden perfection, these tomato fritters offer a taste of the Mediterranean with their vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and irresistible crunch.

History of Tomato Fritters

There are many legends surrounding the origins of tomatoes on the island of Santorini. 

Some say tomatoes were first introduced from Egypt, while others reference the island of Syros in the early 1800s.

Regardless of origins, tomato growing was encouraged on the island as a new profitable crop. 

By the early to mid-1900s, tomatoes were grown all over the island, and the crop adapted well to the volcanic soils and climatic conditions.

In Santorini, tomatoes are used in a variety of recipes and dishes. One celebrated dish is Greek tomato fritters made with local Santorini tomatoes.

Today, tomatokeftedes santorini tomato fritters are a beloved local delicacy enjoyed by both locals and visitors.

We’re excited to share this simple Greek tomato fritters recipe which perfectly captures the essence of Santorini’s vibrant culinary culture.

Discovering Tomato Fritters in Santorini Island, Greece

What surprised us most about Santorini was how dry and arid the island was. Learning that tomatoes grow on the island further intrigued us.

This tomato fritter recipe is incredibly simple to make at home, and you’re guaranteed to love these fritters as much as we did in Santorini.

Ingredients

With this simple tomato fritter recipe, we hope to give you a taste of magical Santorini. You need just a few fresh and simple ingredients.

• Ripe tomatoes – substitute with Roma or cherry tomatoes
• Scallions 
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Fresh parsley
• Dried oregano
• Fresh spearmint leaves
• Salt 
• Pepper
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

Step by Step Instructions

Cut Tomatoes

Grate half the tomatoes and set aside. In a separate bowl, cut the other half into quarters and remove the flesh. Cut the flesh into small cubes and strain in a colander.

Mix Fresh Herbs and Spices

Mix finely chopped parsley and mint with spices, baking soda, and flour with the diced tomatoes. Mix until you have a proper consistency.

Cook Tomato Fritters

Spoon tomato fritter mixture into hot oil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Place cooked tomato fritters on a paper towel and allow the excess oil to drain.

Recipe Tips

While making this tomato fritters recipe, you may have to be flexible with the amount of flour you use.

Depending on the amount of water in your tomatoes, you may use more or less flour in this recipe. Just make sure the tomato mixture is not too watery.

What If I Don’t Have Santorini Tomatoes? What Tomatoes Can I Use Instead?

It is difficult to find Santorini tomatoes outside of the island. You can use a wide variety of tomatoes for your tomatokeftedes santorini tomato fritters recipe.

Choose sweet tomatoes that are ripe and full of flavors. You can use Roma tomatoes for their firm texture and rich flavors. 

Cherry tomatoes are another popular choice for their sweet taste. And you can also use vine-ripened tomatoes which are also sweet and juicy.

And, for larger-size fritters, beefsteak tomatoes are another tomato option.

How to Serve Greek Tomato Fritters

There are several serving ways to enjoy your authentic Greek tomato fritters. 

• As an appetizer – serve the fritters warm with a side of tzatziki, a cucumber Greek yogurt dip, or melitzanosalata, an eggplant dip.
• As a light main course – For a casual summer meal, serve the fritters with a simple Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle olive oil, red wine vinegar, and oregano for the perfect finish.
• In a pita – Stuff the fritters into a warm pita with the salad ingredients for a quick and delicious sandwich. 
• As part of a meze platter – Mezze or appetizer platters are popular in Greece. Add tomato fritters to other little bites like olives, crumbled feta cheese, dolmades, meatballs, and more.
• With a glass of Santorini wine – a crisp, chilled glass of white wine like Assyrtiko from Santorini or a fruity rosé pairs delightfully with the tomato fritters. 

Serving Tips

Santorini tomato fritters are best enjoyed fresh when they are still crispy and warm. 

When ready to eat, you can reheat the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Alternatively, you can also pan-fry them in a lightly oiled non stick pan until they are crispy and warm.

How to Store Tomato Fritters

Depending on how long you want to store your Santorini tomato fritters, here are a couple of tips.

• Refrigerator tips: Before storing, allow the tomato fritters to cool completely at room temperature. Line an airtight container with paper towels, or place the fritters in a single layer on a plate lined with a paper towel. The paper towels will help absorb any excess moisture and keep the fritters crispy. To avoid sticking, be sure the fritters are not stacked on top of each other. You can refrigerate the Santorini tomato fritters for up to 2-3 days.
• Freezer tips: Place cooled fritters on a baking sheet or plate lined with parchment paper. Make sure the fritters are not touching each other. Transfer them to a freezer bag and seal tightly removing any excess moisture. The frozen fritters can be stored for up to 2 to 3 months.