Leek Fritters (Prassokeftedes)

Chef Kate's Note:

A wonderful meze or side dish or even vegetarian main dish. Delicious with Skordalia (A Garlic Sauce/Condiment). From "The Glorious Food of Greece."

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 20 fritters

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 lbs leeks, white and light green parts, halved, washed and thinly sliced
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (from stale bread)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1/3 cup olive oil, for frying (I try to use as little as possible, the Greek way is to use a lot)

Directions:

1. Place the potatoes with enough water to cover by two inches, add a little salt and bring to a boil; then simmer until soft--about ten minutes, depending upon the size of your potato pieces.
2. Drain and place in a large bowl.
3. Place the leeks in a steamer over two inches of boiling water and cover and steam for about 10 minutes.
4. Remove and allow to cool slightly.
5. Preheat oven to 200°F.
6. Mash the potatoes until smooth and creamy; add the leeks and combine.
7. Add in the eggs, bread crumbs, salt and pepper and the oregano and mix well.
8. Heat oil in a large heavy skillet over medium high heat.
9. Drop in about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each kefte and flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
10. Fry in batches, about three minutes a side, until keftes are golden.
11. Remove to paper towels on racks to drain and then keep warm in the oven.
12. Serve warm.

Reviews

[dianegrapegrower]

Very nice, very easy. Used a leftover baked potato, and microwaved the leek, rather than steaming. Used a non-stick pan, and minimal oil. Deep fried would have been even better - but not on our diets.

[Darkhunter]

Mmmm Good, Kate. Made these last night to go with tomorrow’s dinner of Baked Fish. Couldn’t resist just a taste. Lovely. We do love our leeks, and potato pancakes are a staple in our household, so we will have the best of both worlds. Thnx for posting. Made for ZWT4.

[Fynnie]

greasy and heavy. taste is ok warm, not so good cool.