Spinach Patties (Keftes de Espinaca)
Keftes de Espinaca, or Spinach Patties, are a cherished Sephardic dish rooted in the culinary history of Spain and Portugal. These flavorful patties, crafted with fresh spinach, aromatic spices, and often enjoyed during Hanukkah, represent a rich tapestry of Sephardic heritage and tradition. The dish serves as a delectable link to the past, offering a delightful and meaningful culinary experience.
Servings: 8 patties
Calories: 183kcal
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive or grapeseed oil + 1 tbsp
- 1 onion minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed garlic
- 10 oz fresh spinach leaves rinsed and dried
- 1 egg
- 1 cup russet potatoes mashed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or matzah meal for Passover use matzah meal
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne optional, adds heat
Instructions
- In a large skillet, warm 1 tbsp of olive or grapeseed oil over medium heat. Sauté minced onion for 5 minutes until translucent. Add crushed garlic, sauté for two minutes longer.
- Add half of the fresh spinach and cover the skillet, allow the spinach to wilt and shrink slightly, then add remaining half and cover again till all the spinach has wilted.
- Remove from heat and transfer 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 thouroughly.
- 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.
- Heat remaining ½ cup of oil over medium heat. It should be at about 365 degrees F. Place patties into the hot oil in small batches. Fry until brown, about 4 min on each side. Place on a paper towel or rack to drain.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.003g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 378mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3359IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 57mg | Iron: 2mg