Kolokotes (singular kolokoti, pr. Koh-loh-ko-TESS), are traditional Cypriot pastries, similar to turnovers, calzone, empanadas, boureki or pies, made with butternut squash or pumpkin.
They are neither sweat or salty. They can be eaten any time of the day.
Try them for breakfast with a cup of milk or as a snack with a soda or as a snack in the evening with a glass of wine.
Anyway you try them they are delicious.
When I used to live in Cyprus, they used to be sold by street vendors but now you can find them in any Cypriot bakery as you rarely see street vendors.
In the Greek language there is only one word for pumpkins, squash or courgettes (zucchini) and the word is “kolokythi or kolokytha” or “kolodji” in the Cypriot language, so this is where it takes its name from.
These Cypriot turnovers are filled with squash or pumpkin, nuts, raisins and spices. (In the picture, those with a toothpick on the side are without raisins as a family member does not like them!!).
See How to :
Roll the phyllo using a pasta machine
Bulgur or rice is added in the filling and this is to absorb the juices of the squash / pumpkin. Carolina rice, is a Greek variety of rice which is starchy, so you can replace it with any rice suitable for risotto or rice pudding.
They are vegan and perfect for Lent, especially for breakfast or as a snack, with a cup of coffee or with a glass of wine. If you are not vegan, you can brush them with egg wash (1 egg yolk, dissolved in a few tablespoons of milk or water).
My mother used to manually cut the pumpkin into small cubes and I used to do this as well for many years but now as my mixer has an attachment which shreds vegetables this is much easier to do.
This and many Cypriot recipes are included in my cookbook Mint, Cinnamon & Blossom Water, Flavours of Cyprus, Kopiaste as well as in Volume 2 of my e-cookbook, sold on all Amazon stores.
Kolokotes (Cypriot Squash Turnovers)
Kolokotes (singular kolokoti, pr. Koh-loh-ko-TESS), are traditional Cypriot pastries, similar to turnovers, calzone, empanadas, boureki or pies, made with squash or pumpkin.
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 500 grams all purpose flour (or bread flour)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 200 ml water (about 1 cup)
For the filling:
- 750 grams pumpkin or butternut squash, cubed, shredded or grated
- 1/3 cup carolina (similar to arborio) rice (or bulgur wheat)
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/8 cup sugar
- 1 tsp sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup fennel fronds, finely chopped
- ½ cup almonds, skin on, coarsely pounded
- 1/3 cup sultana raisins
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fennel fronds
- Olive oil to brush on top
Instructions
- Prepare the dough and let it rest for half an hour. (See video how to make homemade phyllo by hand or using the pasta maker).
- Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds and threads preferably with a spoon and cut it into small cubes (about 1 cm) or shred it in your food processor.
- Put it in a bowl together with the rice (or bulgur wheat), sugar, olive oil, almonds, raisins, fennel fronds and the spices and mix.
- Roll out your dough and stop before your phyllo becomes transparent.
- Place a small plate of about 15 cm (6 inches) diameter on the phyllo and cut round circles. On one side place a spoonful of the filling and cover with the other half.
- Press gently to join the two edges.
- Take both sides and turn up pressing with fingers so as to crimp the dough.
- Place them in an oiled baking tin or on parchment paper and brush them with olive oil, orange juice or with egg wash and bake them in a preheated oven to 180ο C / 350o F, for 30 minutes or until golden on top.
Nutrition Information
Yield 30 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 136Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 0mgSodium 161mgCarbohydrates 19gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 3g
"These values are automatically calculated and offered for guidance only. Their accuracy is not guaranteed."
Greek Pies (Pites)
Greek pies (pita plural pites) are a staple in Greek cuisine. They are very versatile and can be either savory or sweet. You can make a "pita" with vegetables, meat, fruit, etc.
Spanakopita and Spanakopitakia
Spanakopita (Greek "σπανάκι + πίτα", spinach + pie) is a Greek pastry with a filling of spinach, feta cheese (sometimes in combination with anthotyro, which is a soft white cheese similar to ricotta, onions or green onions, eggs, herbs and seasoning.
Plastos, Spanakopita from Thessaly and Epirus, Ressi and Kolokythopita (Zucchini Pie)
Plastos, which is a type of pita (pie) from Thessaly, is a much easier version of spanakopita without phyllo, made with spinach and corn meal, which is equally delicious.
Eliopita, Eliotes or Eliopitakia (Cypriot olive pies)
Eliopita, Eliotes or Eliopitakia are Cypriot olive pastries made either as a bread, as a roulade, as turnovers or a pie, to accompany a cup of coffee or tea.
Tyropita me Maratho (Cheese and Fennel Pie)
A tyropita (cheese pie) made homemade phyllo, xinomyzithra and flavoured with wild fennel.
Tyropitakia (Cheese Triangles with Feta)
These tasty cheese-filled triangles are finger foods which can be served as appetizers, mezedes, side dishes, and snacks.
Milopita Bougatsa (Greek Apple Pie with Phyllo)
Milopita Bougatsa is a Greek Apple Pie, made with cooked apples and spices, which are then thickened with a semolina pudding and enclosed in phyllo.
Agginaropita Me Prassa (Artichoke & Leek Galette)
Agginaropita is a delicious Greek pie made with artichokes and leeks. It is is great for lunch with a salad and leftovers can be eaten for breakfast or brunch.
Patsavouropita (the easiest Greek Tyropita - Cheese Pie)
Patsavouropita is a traditional Greek, delicious savory pie with phyllo and feta, which is very easy to make and tastes amazing.
Tyropita with Kourou Phyllo
Tyropita Kourou is a cheese pie made with a type of phyllo made with butter and yoghurt, which I would describe somewhat like tart dough.
Galatopita with phyllo
Galatopita, which means milk pie, is a traditional sweet pie from Arcadia, Peloponnese. The original recipe was made during Easter.
Kopiaste and Kali Orexi!
claudia
Sunday 5th of August 2012
I want to try kolokotes... they are lovely and I am sure by the way they look they must taste fabulous... congrats on your cookbook and much luck in your success.... Claudia
eva
Monday 13th of September 2010
Hi Ivy! i love your recipes and have bought your cookbook. Wow so many amazing recipes! Thanks and all the best! eva
Ivy
Monday 31st of December 2007
My mother used to add fennel fronds in it and it gives it such a nice taste. However, if I can't find fennel I prefer not to add any other herbs. Thanks for commenting. Happy New Year.
Anonymous
Monday 31st of December 2007
i never heard of using fennel or dill in it..but i may try:)