Rustic Beef, Leeks and Potato Patties

Leeks and potatoes patties are a favorite of mine, and I make them often, when leeks are in season (click HERE for the recipe). So when I’ve found nice leeks at the store, I was planning on making them again.
Then I recalled the version to which beef is added, and decided to make it instead. However, it turned out that the amount of meat I had was more than the original recipe called for. I could choose to keep some of the meat for other uses, but after a thought, I decided to use it all, and make the beef the major ingredient of the patties.
The patties came out very tasty: the leeks added their subtle oniony sweetness to the beef, and the potatoes added a smooth yet rustic texture. I will no doubt make this version again soon, as the leeks are now fresh and plump. Try it and enjoy.

Notes:
* As with any ground meat, I recommend grinding it at home. This way you have full control over the freshness and type of meat you’re using.
* If you prefer smoother texture, grind the meat in a meat grinder instead of chopping it in a food processor, as I’ve done here.

Makes: 20
Prep time: 30 minutes
Frying time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:
2 medium potatoes
4 leeks
1.325 lbs (600 grams) beef (I used boneless chuck)
2 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground four peppers mix
3 L eggs
¼ cup bread crumbs
Oil for frying

1. Place the potatoes in a medium pot, cover with water and cook for about 25 minutes, or until soft. Drain the water and let cool to room temperature. Peel and coarsely mash with a potato masher.
2. Prepare the leeks: cut off the dark part (wash and keep for stock), and the root end. Cut the leeks lengthwise and slice. Place in a bowl with a colander 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. Drain and place in a wide pot. Add ½ tsp 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 leeks are soft and the water evaporated. Cool to room temperature.

3. Chop the meat in a food processor. Transfer into a large bowl.
4. Add the cooked leeks, eggs, salt and pepper and mix well. Add the mashed potatoes and bread crumbs and mix briefly, so that the potatoes will still keep their coarse texture.

5. Heat oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Take ¼ cup of the mixtures and form into a fairly flat patty. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the patties are golden brown. Place over paper towels, to absorb extra oil. Serve warm, with lemon wedges, or with roasted cherry tomatoes and peppers sauce (click HERE for recipe).