Potato and Sage Fritters

Potato and Sage Fritters Recipe from Italy - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Potato and Sage Fritters are a delicious and savory dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. These fritters are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with a hint of sage and lemon zest to add a burst of flavor.

History

Potato and Sage Fritters have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The combination of potatoes and sage creates a unique and tasty fritter that is loved by many.

Ingredients

Sponge

0.25 cup warm water
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.5 envelope (1.13 tsp) active dry yeast

Fritters

1 lb (454 g) russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
cold water
1 tbsp + 2 tsp sea salt
2 large eggs
0.5 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh sage leaves
2 tsp freshly grated lemon zest
0.5 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
4 to 6 cup peanut oil, for deep-frying

How to prepare

Sponge

In a small bowl, combine the water, flour, and yeast.
Mix well and set aside in a warm place until it becomes yeasty-smelling and covered in very small bubbles, about 45 minutes.

Fritters

In a medium saucepan, cover the potatoes with cold water.
Bring the water to a boil over high heat and add 1 tbsp of sea salt.
Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, for 20 to 25 minutes.
Drain and mash the potatoes with a fork.
Allow them to cool.
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil until thoroughly combined.
In a bowl, combine the cooled potatoes with the sponge, flour, sage, lemon zest, pepper, and 2 tsp of salt.
Mix to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add the egg mixture to the potato mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
You should have a thick, sticky batter.
Add a bit more flour if needed.
Cover the bowl with a towel and set aside in a warm place to rise until doubled in size, for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Heat the oil in a deep-fryer to 375°F (191°C).
Scoop 1 tbsp of the risen batter at a time and use another spoon to scrape it into the hot oil. Do not crowd the fryer.
Fry the fritters until golden brown, for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them over occasionally.
Drain the fritters on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.

Entertaining tip

You can fry up a couple of batches of these an hour before your guests arrive and simply heat them again in a 300°F (149°C) oven before serving. Alternatively, keep them warm in a 250°F (121°C) oven after making them. The fritters are great alone, but they are equally great with a couple of dipping sauces.

Variations

Add grated cheese to the batter for a cheesy twist.
Mix in chopped bacon or ham for added flavor.
Substitute the sage with other herbs such as rosemary or thyme.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to mash the potatoes well to ensure a smooth batter.

- Allow the batter to rise for the recommended time to achieve a light and fluffy texture.

- Fry the fritters in small batches to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.

Serving Suggestions

Potato and Sage Fritters can be served as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with a variety of dipping sauces or can be enjoyed on their own.

Cooking Techniques

Deep-fry the fritters for a crispy exterior.

- Allow the batter to rise for a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sweet potatoes or yams instead of russet potatoes.

- Substitute dried sage for fresh sage if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the batter in advance and fry the fritters just before serving.

- Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fritters on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish. - Arrange the fritters in a decorative pattern for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Potato and Sage Fritters with a crisp white wine or a cold beer.

- Serve with a side salad or vegetable dish for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat in a 300°F (149°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Potato and Sage Fritters contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Potato and Sage Fritters contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Potato and Sage Fritters contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Potato and Sage Fritters contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Potato and Sage Fritters are a good source of Vitamin C, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

Potato and Sage Fritters contain gluten and eggs.

Summary

Potato and Sage Fritters are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Potato and Sage Fritters are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. With a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these fritters are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Margaret was known for her delicious cooking, and I always looked forward to our visits because she would always share a new recipe with me.

On that particular day, Margaret greeted me with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye. "I have something special to share with you today, dear friend," she said as she led me into her cozy kitchen. She rummaged through her old recipe box and pulled out a faded, yellowed piece of paper. "This is a recipe for Potato and Sage Fritters that I learned from a dear friend of mine many years ago. It's one of my absolute favorites, and I think you'll love it too."

I watched intently as Margaret began to gather the ingredients and explain the steps to me. The aroma of fresh sage filled the air, and I knew that this recipe was going to be something truly special. As we worked together in the kitchen, Margaret shared stories of her friend and the memories they had shared over the years. It was clear that this recipe held a special place in her heart, and I felt honored to be able to learn it from her.

The process of making the Potato and Sage Fritters was simple yet intricate. We grated the potatoes and mixed them with flour, eggs, and a generous amount of chopped sage. The mixture was then shaped into small patties and fried until golden brown and crispy. The fritters were served hot with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The first bite was pure bliss – the potatoes were tender, the sage was fragrant, and the whole dish was bursting with flavor.

After that day, I couldn't stop thinking about the Potato and Sage Fritters. I made them for my family, and they quickly became a favorite in our household. Whenever I cooked them, the memories of that day with Margaret would come flooding back, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the friendship we shared.

Over the years, I have made the Potato and Sage Fritters countless times, each time tweaking the recipe to suit my taste. I have added new ingredients, experimented with different cooking methods, and even passed the recipe on to my own grandchildren. But no matter how many times I make them, the fritters always remind me of that special day with Margaret and the bond we shared over a love of cooking.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to this recipe, I am filled with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to create memories, and to show love. The Potato and Sage Fritters will always hold a special place in my heart, not just because of their delicious taste, but because of the friendship and stories that surround them.

I am grateful for the many recipes I have learned over the years, but the Potato and Sage Fritters will always be one of my favorites. They are a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I am truly thankful.