Small fried patties or croquettes, known as keftes, are popular in the Sephardic Jewish community. These are a delicious vegetarian take on the usually meaty kefte concept. Because keftes are pan fried in oil, they are often served for Hanukkah.
Ingredients
Servings 12
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 onion minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed garlic
- 10 oz. fresh spinach leaves
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup mashed russet potatoes
- ½ cup plain bread crumbs or matzo meal
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne optional
Nutritional Facts
Nutrition Facts
Keftes de Espinaca or Vegetarian Patties
Amount per Serving
Calories
126
% Daily Value*
Fat
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
1
g
6
%
Trans Fat
0.002
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
7
g
Cholesterol
14
mg
5
%
Sodium
252
mg
11
%
Potassium
234
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
8
g
3
%
Fiber
1
g
4
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
2
g
4
%
Vitamin A
2239
IU
45
%
Vitamin C
11
mg
13
%
Calcium
38
mg
4
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Instructions
- Add 1 tablespoon oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced onion for 5 minutes until translucent. Add crushed garlic, sauté for 2 minutes longer.
- Add half of the fresh spinach and allow the spinach to wilt and shrink slightly, then add remaining half and cover again, until all of the spinach has wilted.
- Remove from heat and transfer the cooked mixture to a mesh strainer. With a spatula, gently press mixture in the strainer to remove excess moisture. Transfer mixture to a cutting board and roughly chop.
- Place chopped mixture into a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
- With an ice cream scoop or ¼ cup measuring cup, scoop the mixture into your hand and form smooth flat patties. Place them onto a sheet tray as you go.
- Add remaining oil to the skillet over medium heat and bring to about 365°F. Place patties into the hot oil in small batches. Fry until brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Place on a paper towel or rack to drain.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe and Image Courtesy of Cider Mill Press Book Publishers LLC, excerpted from Jewish Holiday Cooking: An International Collection of More Than 250 Delicious Recipes for Jewish Celebration
