Whenever I find fresh, plump leeks at the vegetable store, I grab a few. Their delicate onion flavor is great in many dishes like soups, quiches, risotto, and especially in these tasty leek and potato fritters – again from the fabulous Sephardic kitchen. I’m sure you’ll love them once you’ll make them.
Notes:
* The original recipe calls for cooking the leeks and potatoes separately, but I’ve found it is easier to cook them together, with a minimal amount of water. This way keeps the nutrients, and the leeks’ flavor is more pronounced.
* Half a pound (250 grams) of ground beef can be added to the cooked potato-leek mixture.
* I find the chunky version to be tastier, but if you prefer the fritters to be less rustic, process the cooked mixture in a food processor.
Makes: 12 fritters
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
3 leeks, white and light green part only, thinly sliced (5 cups)
2 medium size potatoes, peeled and cut in medium size cubes (2 cups)
1 Tbs salt
2 XL eggs
½ cup flour
¼ tsp freshly ground nutmeg
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Oil for frying
1. Prepare the leeks: cut off the dark part (wash and keep for stock), and the root end. Cut the leeks lengthwise and slice. Place a colander in a bowl and cover with plenty of water. Mix well, so that the dirt will sink to the bottom. Lift the strainer, get rid of the dirty water and repeat the process until the leeks are clean.
2. Place the diced potatoes and sliced leeks in a shallow pot. Add the salt and just enough water to cover. Cover the pot and bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium and cook for 5 minutes. Uncover and keep cooking for 3-4 minutes more, until the potatoes and leeks are soft and most of the water evaporated. (If the potatoes are still not soft enough, add a bit of boiling water and cook for 1-2 minutes more.)
Strain and cool to room temperature. Transfer to a bowl and mash with a potato masher, to a chunky texture. (For smoother texture, use food processor.) Add the eggs, flour, nutmeg and black pepper. Mix and add salt if needed.
3. In a large frying pan, heat oil for shallow frying on medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium. Spoon ¼ cup of the mixture into the oil and flatten with the back of a spoon. Fry until golden on both sides. Transfer to a work space layered with paper towels, to absorb excess oil. Serve at room temperature, with a slice of lemon.
Do you cut it all by hand? it looks tedious…
I’m sure it’s very tasty – can it be made without the use of oil?
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Cutting the leeks is really not that difficult, if you have a sharp knife. But you can use a food processor instead.
The patties don’t absorb that much oil, and if you put them on paper towels after frying, it helps to reduce it even more.
You can bake the patties in a hot oven. They will be just as tasty, but less crispy. Of course it takes longer to bake than to fry, but it’s possible.
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Yumm!
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Thank you! 🙂
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The patties look delicious!
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Thank yo Liz. They really are very tasty! 🙂
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Yum! What do you like to serve them with?
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I usually serve them with plain yogurt, or with yogurt dip: mix yogurt with a bit of garlic, dried mint, salt and olive oil. Very tasty combination! 🙂
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The patties look delicious Ronit, I have 4 plump leeks that I need to use. Love this recipe.
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Thank you Suzanne, I’m glad to know! I hope you’ll enjoy them. 🙂
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I’m always tempted by leeks because of their attractive coloring, but seldom use them. This yummy recipe is definitely an incentive.
Virtual hugs,
Judie
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Thank you Judie, I’m glad to hear! 🙂
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Lovely! xxxx
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Thank you Natascha! 🙂
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Ooh I’m going to try this recipe with sweet potato! (only because white potato doesn’t agree with me) 🙂
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Sounds like a wonderful variation. I’m curious to know how it will turn out! 🙂
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Great recipe! 🙂
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Thank you Kathryn! Glad you liked it. These patties tend to disappear very quickly! 🙂
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Lovely recipe!! Looks fabulous 🙂
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Thank you Freda, I’m glad you liked it! 🙂
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Hey Ronit,
I love your blog and your recipes, the colors always brighten up my day! Thus, I’ve nominated you for the sunshine blogger award. Please check it out and pass on the sunshine 🙂
https://withlovefromthestudentkitchen.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/sunshine-blogger-award/
With love from the student kitchen,
Johanna
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Thank you so much Johanna, I really appreciate this. I’m sorry that due to lack of time I don’t participate in the award scene. I hope you’ll keep enjoying my blog as much as I enjoy yours. 🙂
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Oh that’s sad. Well, I guess it was worth a try.
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🙂
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Those patties sure look delicious early this morning! I love leeks and using them in soups and other recipes – I wish they weren’t so pricey as I would use them all the time. I use to grow them but no room in my small garden 🙂
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Thank you Judi! The patties are simple to make and very delicious.
Leeks can be pricey, depending on the season, but since 1-2 are enough to produce quite a lot of tasty patties, I think it’s still worth it. 🙂
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Leek and potatoes go well together, don’t they, Ronit? Making them into patties is a great idea.
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Yes, it is one of the simplest yet tastiest combinations. No wonder this old recipe is still popular. These patties are addictive. 🙂
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I really love the addition of leeks in this crispy, delicious potato pattie Ronit. I know it will go real well with a roast of any kind, definitely something to consider for a future Sunday roast 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipe with us.
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Thank you Loretta, I’m glad you liked this old family recipe. The patties will be perfect with a roast. Hope you’ll enjoy them! 🙂
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These sound delicious I might have to try this recipe!
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Thank you Amy, I’m glad to know you liked the recipe. I hope you’ll enjoy the results. 🙂
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Reblogged this on Crackling Pork Rinds.
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