WHB Anniversary: Potato Fritters With Sweet Pepper Relish (Cilantro)

Well, here it is--the second anniversary of Weekend Herb Blogging at Kalyn's Kitchen!  My, how it has grown since Kalyn first started it.   She's done a splendid job, and it's been so much fun to see how this event, and her blog, has evolved in such a short period of time.  I wanted to make something special for the celebration, and spent several days looking at my favorite cookbooks and magazines. This year Kalyn suggested we do something with an herb and at least one vegetable, a Double Delish recipe.  Finally, it came down to Deborah Madison's recipe for Potato Fritters and Sweet Pepper Relish. It was the perfect way for me to celebrate WHB, as I haven't had potatoes in quite a while, and my Irish genes were suffering. The recipe also includes my favorite herb, cilantro, as well as quite a few vegetables.  The fritters contain scallions and the confetti cut relish is full of sweet yellow and red peppers.  I think this fulfills the Double Delish requirement, it was certainly delicious.

You can make this with leftover mashed potatoes, but I steamed some russets and smashed them with a fork.  The potatoes were rough in texture, and this gave the fritters a good mouth feel.  The recipe also contains cheese, egg yolks, scallions, and peppers.  I didn't peel the potatoes, but that is your choice to do, or not.

The relish is quickly made, and can include the peppers of your choice.  The marinade is drained off just before the relish is served, and can be used as a salad dressing.

The end product has a wealth of contrasting flavors and textures. The delicately crisp crust tops a creamy center of potatoes, cheese, and scallions.  And the beautiful relish adds a tart jolt to the mix. I loved this recipe and thought it perfect for Kalyn's Anniversary.  Congratulations Kalyn--on a great event and blog!  Looking forward to the anniversary next year.

Potato Fritters

(Deborah Madison, The Greens Cookbook)

1-1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled or not
2 egg yolks
about 4 Tablespoons roughly chopped cilantro
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced, white and some of the green part
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped--or 3 Tablespoons bell pepper, finely chopped
1 cup grated cheddar, Jack or muenster cheese
salt
about 1 cup bread crumbs (I used plain Panko)
4 Tablespoons oil

Cut the potatoes into small pieces about an inch square. Put them in a steamer and cook for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender. Transfer to a bowl and break them up with a fork.   Don't try to make them too smooth, they can be rough textured.  Add the egg yolks, cilantro, scallions, pepper, and cheese.  Season with salt and shape into patties shaped and sized as you like.  Dredge them in the bread crumbs, and press the crumbs into the patties on both sides.  Heat the oil in a skillet until hot and cook the patties over medium high heat, until browned on both sides.  Serve immediately with the sweet pepper relish.

Sweet Pepper Relish

1 small yellow pepper
1 small red pepper
1/4  small red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
2 Tablespoons or more balsamic vinegar
salt pepper

Trim the peppers, cut them into thin slices and dice into small even pieces.  Combine the peppers, onion oil and vinegar and add salt and pepper to taste.  Marinate this for about 2 hours, then drain the oil off (reserving for other purposes, like salad dressing) when you are ready to serve the fritters. 

Comments

[K]

I was googling for a mushroom soup recipe that included sage and found your blog. I love the recipes! Thank you so much for the instructions, pictures, and recipes - these are so helpful and easy to follow. I also like that a lot of them seem to be vegetarian friendly.

[Kalyn]

No question that this is perfect for the doubly delish celebration! It sounds like it would taste just amazing. I need to get this cookbook, I know I've said that before. And of course I did not miss the cilantro, the perfect addition to all the other good flavors that are already going on! Thanks for helping make the two year celebration so special!

[Shannon]

Oooh, potato fritters would go great with the relish I made this week too, I'll bet! Yum!

[TBC]

OMG! I clicked on your pic & it is simply beautiful!
I like your recipe a lot.:-)

[the chocolate lady]

Sher, This is so delicious, and you made it especially beautiful. I heartily second your congratulations to kalyn, and to all of us.
kalyn, yes, I think you will be very glad to get this cookbook. I would follow Deborah Madison into a live volcano.

[Anh]

Sher, what a combo! I just love the color and the fritters. After all, who doesn't like potatoes being fried? ;)

[Katie]

The potatoes look perfect - I can almost hear the crunch. And to serve them with a sweet pepper relish...wouldn't have thought; now I do!

[Tanna]

Silent awe here, well except for the crunch of that potato crust ;))
Truly Sher, this is double delish for Kalyn's event! As always your photos are knock outs!

[Lydia]

The potato cakes look wonderful! I'll have to get that cookbook off my shelf and give these a try.

[Lannae]

I was googling fish stock recipes, and guess what? Your recipe on Jan 8, 2007 popped up on the 1st page! Yumm, fish stock!

[Belinda]

You make the most colorful and appetizing meals, Sher! These potato fritters with their brilliantly hued pepper relish look incredible...gosh, they sound so good too!

[Chris]

Wow, these look so good!
And I love all the colors.

[Kaykat]

Cilantro is probably going to be the herb of choice for the WHB anniversary! :)

The Greens cookbook truly rocks - gots to try this recipe now, it looks truly delicious!

[Kevin]

The potato fritters look nice and crispy on the outside and soft and moist on the inside. The relish is really colourful.

[Glenna]

mmmmmm.... you know, funnily enough, I saw your pic on tastespotting and clicked on it thinking "I haven't had potato fritters in so long I need to correct that." and was pleasantly surprised to see your blog pop up!

[s'kat]

Those look like such a nice, lazy day Sunday breakfast, with a softly poached egg on top! Yum.

[Deborah]

I don't think I've ever had potato fritters before - but I'm gonna be having them soon!

[Sara]

Potatos are my most favorite food. As soon as I get into the new house I am making these! They look great!

[Nabeela]

That looks sooooo good, perfect for fall evening with a cup of tea in my opinion

[Shannalee]

I was looking for ideas for sweet peppers (got a big bunch in my CSA this week) and found your post - YUM! I can't wait to try this!