Reinvented Letke

Reinvented Letke - Potato Patties with a Delicious Twist

Who doesn't love a warm and comforting dish that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones? Letke, also known as Levivot, is a traditional dish that has crossed generations and originates from meaningful celebrations. These potato patties, with a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior, are perfect for any occasion, especially during holidays. Today, we will explore a reinvented recipe that offers a silky texture thanks to the chive-infused potato purée, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, parmesan, and basil. Ready to delight your senses? Let's get started!

Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 4 minutes
Total: 49 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

- 500 grams of white potatoes, peeled and cut into equal cubes
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 25 grams of butter at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon of grated parmesan
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
- Fresh salad for serving

Step by step - Your guide to a perfect Letke

1. Boil the potatoes
In a large pot, add water and bring the cubed potatoes and thyme sprigs to a boil. Boil for 25 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving fluffy purée. In the meantime, you can prepare your utensils and ingredients for the next step!

2. Prepare the purée
After boiling the potatoes, drain them well and remove the thyme sprigs. In a large bowl, add the butter, crème fraîche, chives, and salt. Use a potato masher or a fork to turn the potatoes into a firm and smooth purée. Make sure there are no large chunks left to achieve a uniform texture.

3. Chill the purée
Spread the purée in a tray, forming a thin layer of about 0.5 cm. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. This step will help the purée firm up and make it easier to cut.

4. Prepare the breadcrumb mixture
In a food processor, combine the breadcrumbs, parmesan, basil leaves, olive oil, and pine nuts. Blend everything until you get a homogeneous mixture. Transfer it to a shallow plate.

5. Prepare the eggs and flour
Beat the two eggs with a little salt and 10 tablespoons of water until frothy. Place the flour in another plate, ready for coating the patties.

6. Form the Letke
Take the tray with the purée out of the refrigerator. Use a stainless steel ring or a glass to cut circles from the purée. Each circle should be dipped in flour, then in the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for all circles, ensuring they are well coated.

7. Fry the patties
In a deep skillet, heat the oil for frying. Add the patties to the hot oil and fry them for 2 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Use a spatula to carefully turn them over.

8. Drain and serve
Once fried, remove the patties onto paper towels to absorb excess oil. They are now ready to serve! You can accompany them with a fresh salad for a contrast of textures and flavors.

The ideal sauce - A note of freshness

To add an extra flavor to your patties, prepare a simple yogurt and chives sauce. Mix 4 tablespoons of low-fat yogurt with 2 finely chopped garlic cloves and ½ tablespoon of chives. This sauce will perfectly complement the crunchiness of the Letke, bringing a note of freshness.

Helpful tips

- Choose the right potatoes: White potatoes or those with medium starch content are ideal for achieving fluffy purée.
- Vary the flavors: You can add your favorite spices to the purée, such as paprika or garlic powder, for extra flavor.
- Freezing: Unfried patties can be frozen. Place them on a tray in the freezer, then transfer them to a sealed container. When you want to prepare them, fry them directly from the freezer.

Nutritional benefits

This dish provides a combination of carbohydrates from potatoes, proteins from eggs, and healthy fats from olive oil, offering a balanced nutrient intake. Chives add a touch of vitamin K, while basil and pine nuts complete the nutritional profile with antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use another type of cheese instead of parmesan?
Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or feta for different flavors.

2. What type of oil is best for frying?
Oils with a high smoke point, such as sunflower or peanut oil, are ideal for frying.

3. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Certainly! Preheat the oven to 200°C, place the patties on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and brush them with a little oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that's left is to start cooking! Let your imagination run wild and don't hesitate to share these delicious reinvented Letke with your loved ones. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 500 grams of white potatoes, peeled, cut into equal cubes, 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, 25 grams of butter at room temperature, 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche at room temperature, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped chives, 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan, 5 basil leaves, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of pine nuts, 2 tablespoons of flour, salt/pepper, oil for frying, salad for serving.

 Tags:  light