Tirokroketes with a Twist

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 100g (3.5 oz) ricotta cheese 100g (3.5 oz) ricotta cheese
• 50g (1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated 50g (1.8 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat: 15g (9g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 15g (1g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.8g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the feta cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, dill, mint, and one beaten egg. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
3. 3.
   Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
4. 4.
   In separate bowls, place the flour, remaining beaten egg, and breadcrumbs.
5. 5.
   Roll each cheese ball in the flour, dip it in the beaten egg, and then coat it with breadcrumbs, ensuring it is fully covered.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or pot over medium heat.
7. 7.
   Fry the cheese balls in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
8. 8.
   Remove the Tirokroketes from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. 9.
   Serve the Tirokroketes hot and enjoy their crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Feta cheese — Make sure to crumble the feta cheese well to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Fresh herbs — Use fresh dill and mint for the best flavor. If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of lemon zest to the cheese mixture.
• To make the Tirokroketes even more crispy, refrigerate them for 30 minutes before frying.
• Serve the Tirokroketes with a side of tzatziki sauce for a refreshing and tangy dip.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the cheese balls.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Tirokroketes as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a delicious snack. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Tirokroketes on a platter and garnish with fresh dill and mint leaves for an attractive presentation. Serve them alongside a bowl of tzatziki sauce for dipping.