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Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Balls)

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By: Nicole 42 Comments
Posted: 10/25/23

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Use up the last of the summer tomatoes to make one of my very favorite Greek street foods, Tomatokeftedes or Tomato Balls. These pan-fried tomato and feta fritters are truly delicious and the one new-to-me food item I couldn’t get enough of in Greece.

Use up the last of the summer tomatoes to make one of my very favorite Greek street foods, Tomatokeftedes or Tomato Balls. These pan-fried tomato and feta fritters are truly delicious and the one new-to-me food item I couldn’t get enough of in Greece

Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Balls)

Why should spanakopita get all the mediterranean appetizer glory when we also have Tomatokeftedes at our finger tips?

A little back story: There were a countless items I was excited for prior to our Greece trip a decade ago – the scenery, the clear turquoise waters, the sunsets, the shopping,– but as you can imagine, what I was looking forward to most was the food. I pictured myself stuffing my face with gyros from street vendors, the freshest seafood, loads of pita bread, tzaziki sauce and Greek salad. However sometimes the least expected items we try are the ones that make a lasting impression. Tomatokeftedes were just that.

Use up the last of the summer tomatoes to make one of my very favorite Greek street foods, Tomatokeftedes or Tomato Balls. These pan-fried tomato and feta fritters are truly delicious and the one new-to-me food item I couldn’t get enough of in Greece

I’d been hearing about these little jewels for quite some time from sources like Giada in Paradise, Trip Advisor reviews etc, and knew I had to get my hands on them. They’re a Santorini specialty and on almost every single restaurant menu littering the streets. Rightfully so, since they utilize one of Santorinis most treasured fruits (or vegetables depending on where you fall), the tomato.

I’m not really sure why they call them tomato balls, because they are not shaped into a ball form, they’re more like what we in America would call a fritter.

They peel, seed and chop ripe tomatoes into tiny pieces and then simply combine with a mixture of herbs, onions, a little bit of salt and flour. They’re shaped into patties and then fried in a bath of good quality Santorini olive oil until they’re puffed and golden brown. Most are served by themselves as an appetizer, but I preferred mine dunked in a vat of tzatziki sauce (of course).

Shredded cucumber, greek yogurt, dill, onion and olive oil in a mixing bowl

Ingredients in Tomatokeftedes

Tomatoes. Of course we can’t have tomato balls without tomatoes. Any kind will do, I’ve used vine ripened, roma and beefsteak.

Onion. I love onion in any capacity. but if you don’t like it in big pieces be sure to finely dice.

Herbs. There is nothing quite like fresh herbs, here we use lots of basil and mint.

Baking powder + baking soda. The combo of these two are going to make our tomato fritter tender, crisp and puffy.

tomatoes, onion, basil, parsley. and salt and pepper in a bowl.

Flour. We need something to bind everything together and like most friitters, flour does just that.

Feta. This is optional and not all Tomatokeftedes have it but I love the addition.

Olive oil. You’ll need good quality olive to fry the balls.

Tzatziki sauce. Store-bought or use this easy recipe of ours!

Chopped tomatoes, flour, onion, basil, parsley in a bowl.

Let’s make Tomatokeftedes!

Make the tzatziki sauce and prep ingredients. Once the batter comes together, things move fast so be sure you have everything prepped. This can be made a few days in advance.

Toss everything. In a bowl combine, tomatoes, feta, salt, onion, basil and mint. In another bowl, mix baking powder, baking soda and flour. Stir into tomatoes. Season to taste with PLENTY of salt. You don’t want these under seasoned.

Heat a large non-stick skillet with about ⅛ inch of olive oil to a medium-high heat.

Spoon the batter into the oil, making about 3 inch long fritters. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Drain on paper towels and serve with tzaziki Sauce.

Tomatokeftedes frying in a skillet

Are Tomatokeftedes tasty leftover?

Unfortunately no. They are best served hot.

Do I have to use fresh tomatoes?

Yes. Sorry!

Tips and Tricks for Recipe Success

  • Don’t overmix!
  • Be sure to get most of the moisture out of the tomatoes before adding them to the flour

We love serve these with….

Greek Lasagna (Pastitsio Style Lasagna)

Lamb Sliders with Dill Greek Yogurt

Authentic Spanakopita Recipe

Use up the last of the summer tomatoes to make one of my very favorite Greek street foods, Tomatokeftedes or Tomato Balls. These pan-fried tomato and feta fritters are truly delicious and the one new-to-me food item I couldn’t get enough of in Greece
Use up the last of the summer tomatoes to make one of my very favorite Greek street foods, Tomatokeftedes or Tomato Balls. These pan-fried tomato and feta fritters are truly delicious and the one new-to-me food item I couldn’t get enough of in Greece

Tomatokeftedes (Tomato Balls)

Prep: 10 minutes minutes
Cook: 15 minutes minutes
0 minutes minutes
Total: 25 minutes minutes
Print Rate Email
Use up the last of the summer tomatoes to make one of my very favorite Greek street foods, Tomatokeftedes or Tomato Balls. These pan-fried tomato and feta fritters are truly delicious and the one new-to-me food item I couldn’t get enough of in Greece.
Prevent your screen from going dark
1 tomato ball

Ingredients

  • 2 cups tomatoes, peeled, seeded and finely diced (make sure to get ALL the seeds and juice out!) See instruuctions
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup minced onion
  • 2 tbsp minced basil
  • 1 tbsp minced mint
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 3/4 cup flour (may need more depending on how wet the tomatoes are)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta
  • Olive oil for frying

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl
  • 1 Large skillet

Instructions

  • Fill a large bowl with ice water. set aside.
  • Peel the tomatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Cut an X on the top of each tomato. Drop the tomatoes into the boiling water and let them boil for 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and dunk into ice bath. Once cool, peel the skin off. Cut the tomatoes in half and remove all seeds and juice. Dice tomatoes.
  • In a bowl combine, tomatoes, salt, onion, basil and mint. In another bowl, mix baking powder, baking soda and flour. Stir into tomatoes. Season to taste with PLENTY of salt. You don't want these under seasoned!
  • Add about ⅛ inch of olive oil to a large skillet. Heat over medium-high. Spoon the batter into the oil, making about 3 inch long fritters, this should be about 1/4 cup of batter. Cook until golden brown on both sides, about 1-2 minutes per side.Drain on paper towels and serve with tzaziki Sauce

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1fritter
© Author: Nicole

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Meet Nicole

Welcome! My lifelong passion for delicious food and cooking has evolved over time into an equal love of showing you an elevated meal can be easy, approachable and most importantly, tasty. Dive in and find something perfect for you and your family!

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  1. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says

    Posted on 6/12/14 at 5:41 pm

    Those photos look GORG…again. Man, I need to get my Greece on!
    Especially because I want to try these babies! But, am I totally blind…me no see a recipe???
    Thanks lady!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 6/12/14 at 5:51 pm

      Ha! A recipe would help wouldn’t it??? I swear… It’s up my dear! Thank you!!!!!!

      Reply
  2. cheri says

    Posted on 6/12/14 at 11:55 pm

    Wow! what gorgeous pictures, must of been hard to come back. Love these tomato balls, will be making a batch when tomatoes start showing up in the farmers markets here. Pinned.

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:49 pm

      Was definitely hard to come back, still is!! Thanks Cheri!!!

      Reply
  3. Karyl says

    Posted on 6/13/14 at 1:11 am

    Incredible Nicole! I don’t remember having these tomato balls, but we will certainly try this recipe. So, when do you post the recipe for those spicy coconut mojitos?!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:48 pm

      Oooo they were so good! I’m going to get on that cocktail! Maybe we can have it at the beach???!

      Reply
  4. Isadora @ she likes food says

    Posted on 6/13/14 at 2:58 am

    I have never heard of tomato balls before, but I love tomatoes and I need to make these! They look so tasty! I love that you are posting all these Greek recipes! Since, unfortunately, I will probably not be going to Greece anytime soon, I need to start making some of these and pretend I am there! I’ll also stare at your photos while I eat 🙂

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:47 pm

      Hahaha I like it!!! Thanks so much my dear!!

      Reply
  5. Alaina {Fabtastic Eats} says

    Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:33 am

    oh my word. Those photos are breathtaking. You’re killing me. Between the pictures and food, I cant decide what makes me want to visit more! Definitely adding it to the list,hopefully sooner than later!
    I LOVE these tomato balls! I know my husband would too, I just kind of freak out about frying things. BUt I feel like I must get over it, these sound SO good!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:45 pm

      You would just die there Alaina!! These aren’t actually deep-fried, just crisped up in some olive oil, so no need to be afraid!! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says

    Posted on 6/13/14 at 1:25 pm

    I am so jealous of your trip! Those photos are just unreal! And these tomato balls sound so interesting. I love the tomato and basil combo and they sound like the perfect appetizer or even meal! Pinned 🙂

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:42 pm

      Thanks girly! Have a great weekend!!

      Reply
  7. Chris @ Shared Appetite says

    Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:30 pm

    Ok, you convinced me… I need to vacation in Greece AND I need these tomatokeftedes in my life. I have no idea how to pronounce them, but I need them haha. They look amazing. And yes, I too would want them drenched in Tzaziki sauce as well!!!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:41 pm

      I have no idea how to pronounce them either! Just go with tomato balls like I do. 🙂 You and your wife NEED to go!!!

      Reply
  8. Ami@NaiveCookCooks says

    Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:50 pm

    These photos want me to start planning for our vacation too!! I am dreaming with all these gorgeous pics!

    Reply
    • Nicole says

      Posted on 6/13/14 at 4:52 pm

      Thank you so much Ami!!!

      Reply
  9. Annie @Maebells says

    Posted on 6/13/14 at 5:41 pm

    I love any kind of fritter, and these look amazing! It looks like you had an incredible time. We got married abroad and I looked at Greece but my husband has Celiac so his diet really limits our travel opportunities. Hopefully one day we will be able to go!

    Reply
  10. Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says

    Posted on 6/13/14 at 6:28 pm

    omgg you are making me miss Greece like CRAZY! beautiful pictures and I am so glad you had such a wonderful time 🙂 looks like you took a piece of the Greek life home with you, because my god do these tomato balls look incredible!!! exactly how they are in Greece, I am tres impressed lady!

    Reply
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