Potato Fritters
#### Ingredients
– **4 large potatoes**, peeled and grated
– **1 medium onion**, finely chopped
– **2 eggs**
– **1/2 cup all-purpose flour**
– **1/4 cup fresh parsley**, chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1/2 teaspoon paprika**
– **1/4 teaspoon baking powder**
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese** (optional)
– **Oil for frying** (vegetable or canola oil works well)
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Peel and grate the potatoes using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment.
– Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy fritters.
2. **Mix the Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until smooth.
– Pour the egg mixture over the potato mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
3. **Heat the Oil:**
– Heat about 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the batter, but not so hot that it burns the fritters.
4. **Fry the Fritters:**
– Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon to form patties.
– Fry the fritters in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
– Transfer the cooked fritters to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. **Serve:**
– Serve the potato fritters hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired. They pair wonderfully with sour cream, applesauce, or a simple yogurt dip.
#### Tips for Success
– **Squeezing Moisture:** The key to crispy fritters is removing as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes. Don’t skip this step!
– **Consistency:** If the batter seems too wet, add a little more flour. If it’s too dry, add another egg or a splash of milk.
– **Uniform Size:** Try to keep the fritters uniform in size so they cook evenly.
– **Temperature Control:** Keep an eye on the oil temperature. If the fritters are browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
### Benefits of Potato Fritters
– **Versatility:** Potato fritters can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a main course. They’re perfect for any meal.
– **Budget-Friendly:** Made from simple, inexpensive ingredients, potato fritters are a great way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank.
– **Customizable:** You can add different herbs, spices, or even vegetables to the batter to suit your taste.
Enjoy your delicious, crispy potato fritters!