Spiced Moroccan Potato Fritters
Experience the vibrant flavors of Morocco with these Spiced Moroccan Potato Fritters. Often found at bustling street food stalls, these delightful cakes combine the comforting heartiness of warm, mashed potatoes with aromatic garlic, fresh scallions, and a hint of green parsley. These fritters are commonly served as an egg and potato sandwich tucked in warm flatbread, drizzled with a tangy sauce tomatish, making them a popular late-night snack. Enjoy them fresh from the skillet or at room temperature for a flavorful treat on-the-go. These affordable delights, traditionally priced at just 5-10 DH ($0.70) when bought from street vendors, embody the essence of Moroccan street food – simple, filling, and utterly delicious. Perfect for lunch or as a savory snack, these fritters can also easily be made in bulk for gatherings, ensuring you share a taste of Moroccan culture with every bite.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
mashed potatoes
4 cups (warm and plain)
garlic
3 cloves (mashed or pressed)
scallion
1/2 cup (cut lengthwise and sliced thinly)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1/2 cup (chopped finely)
salt
1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon
flour
as needed (for dusting)
oil
as needed (for shallow frying)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm, plain mashed potatoes, pressed or mashed garlic cloves, thinly sliced scallions, finely chopped flat-leaf parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until evenly blended.
2
Using floured hands, form the mixture into 16 patties, each approximately 1/4 cup in size and about 1/3 inch thick.
3
Carefully coat each patty in flour, shaking off any excess to ensure they are lightly dusted.
4
In a skillet over medium to medium-high heat, add enough oil for shallow frying. Once the oil is hot, gently place the patties into the skillet, frying until they develop a deep golden-brown crust on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5
If desired, you may prepare the floured patties in advance and refrigerate them for an hour. This can make handling easier, especially if you prefer firmer fritters.
6
Serve the fritters hot with sauce tomatish, or allow them to cool slightly and enjoy them at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Moroccan Potato Fritters?
Spiced Moroccan Potato Fritters are savory potato cakes made with mashed potatoes, garlic, and herbs, commonly sold as street food in Morocco.
Which ingredients are required for this recipe?
You need mashed potatoes, garlic, scallions, fresh flat-leaf parsley, salt, black pepper, flour for dusting, and oil for frying.
How many fritters does this recipe produce?
The recipe yields approximately 16 potato patties.
What kind of mashed potatoes should I use?
Use warm, plain mashed potatoes for the best results and easiest mixing.
How should I prepare the scallions?
Scallions should be cut lengthwise and then sliced thinly before being added to the potato mixture.
What is the ideal thickness for the patties?
Each patty should be formed to a thickness of approximately 1/3 inch.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic cloves should be pressed or mashed before being incorporated into the mixture.
How long do I fry each side of the fritter?
Fry the patties for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a deep golden-brown crust.
What is the best heat setting for frying?
Use a skillet set over medium to medium-high heat for shallow frying.
Can the patties be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can form and flour the patties, then refrigerate them for an hour to make them firmer and easier to handle.
Should these fritters be served hot or cold?
They can be served hot immediately from the skillet or at room temperature for a portable snack.
What is sauce tomatish?
Sauce tomatish is a tangy tomato-based sauce traditionally served as a drizzle over these Moroccan fritters.
Is it possible to bake these potato fritters?
While the recipe specifies shallow frying for a crispy crust, they can be baked at a high temperature as an alternative.
Are these Moroccan potato fritters vegetarian?
Yes, these fritters are entirely vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, replace the dusting flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a GF flour blend.
How much flour is required for the recipe?
Use only as much flour as needed to lightly coat each of the 16 patties before frying.
What is the typical price for these fritters in Morocco?
From street vendors, these are traditionally very affordable, typically priced between 5-10 DH or about $0.70.
How are these fritters traditionally served as a sandwich?
They are often tucked into warm flatbread with an egg and drizzled with a tangy tomato sauce.
Why is flour used to coat the patties?
The flour coating creates a light, crispy crust and helps the potato mixture maintain its shape during frying.
What makes handling the potato mixture easier?
Using floured hands to form the patties and refrigerating them for an hour helps prevent sticking and breakage.
Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes, leftover mashed potatoes work well, though warm, plain potatoes are easiest to mix with the other ingredients.
What fresh herbs are included in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley.
Is this a difficult recipe to prepare?
No, this is an easy, simple, and filling recipe suitable for home cooks of all levels.
How much potato mixture should be used for each patty?
Each patty should use approximately 1/4 cup of the potato mixture.
Can these fritters be frozen for later use?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked fritters and reheat them in an oven to preserve their texture.
How much oil is needed for frying?
Use enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet for shallow frying, adding more as needed for subsequent batches.
Are these fritters considered a snack or a meal?
They are versatile and can be served as a savory snack, a lunch item, or part of a larger meal.
Can I add extra spices to the potato mixture?
While the recipe uses salt and pepper, you can add cumin or paprika to enhance the Moroccan flavor profile.
What is the texture of a properly cooked fritter?
They should have a soft, hearty interior and a deep golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Are these fritters suitable for serving at parties?
Yes, they can be made in bulk and are excellent for sharing at gatherings and cultural events.