Potato Basil Fritters Recipe
Introduction
These crispy and flavorful Potato Basil Fritters are the perfect snack to serve for a casual get-together or as a delightful appetizer. Combining the soft, mashed texture of grated potatoes with the aromatic flavor of fresh basil and a hint of heat from red chili flakes, these fritters are sure to be a hit. Lightly pan-fried until golden and crispy, they’re incredibly satisfying. Serve them with your favorite dip—whether it’s a spicy salsa, creamy peanut chili dipping sauce, or a tangy yogurt-based dip, these fritters are perfect for any occasion.
This vegetarian recipe is a great way to enjoy a classic snack with a continental twist and can be whipped up in less than an hour!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo) | 4 medium-sized |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 1/4 cup (finely chopped) |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 3 tablespoons |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole Egg | 1 whole |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | For shallow frying |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Grate the Potatoes:
Start by peeling the 4 potatoes and grating them using a fine grater. Once grated, place the potato shreds in a bowl of salted water for about 5 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, which can make your fritters greasy when frying. After 5 minutes, drain the water. -
Remove Excess Moisture:
To remove any excess moisture from the grated potatoes, use your hands to squeeze out as much water as possible. This ensures your fritters become crispy when fried. For best results, spread the grated potatoes on a clean kitchen towel and press down gently. Let the towel absorb any remaining water. -
Prepare the Fritter Mixture:
Transfer the grated, dried potatoes into a large mixing bowl. To this, add the following ingredients:- Italian seasoning
- Red chili flakes
- 1 whole egg
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs
- Salt (to taste)
- Fresh basil leaves, finely chopped.
Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together when pressed. If it’s too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to achieve the right consistency.
-
Heat the Pan:
Heat a large non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, pour 2 teaspoons of sunflower oil into it. Swirl the pan to spread the oil evenly across the surface. -
Form and Fry the Fritters:
Take 1.5 tablespoons of the fritter mixture and spoon it into the hot pan, pressing gently to flatten it into a round shape. Depending on the size of your pan, you can fry about 3 to 5 fritters at a time. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until they are golden brown.Flip the fritters carefully using a spatula once they have crisped up on the bottom. Press them gently with the back of the spoon to ensure they cook evenly. Allow the second side to fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
-
Repeat the Process:
Continue frying the remaining fritters in batches, adding more oil to the pan as needed. Keep the fritters warm by placing them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. -
Serve:
Serve your freshly fried Potato Basil Fritters while they’re still hot. These fritters are wonderfully paired with a variety of dips such as peanut chili dipping sauce, spicy Mexican salsa, or any other dip of your choice.
Tips for Success
- Drain the Potatoes Well: The key to crispy fritters is to make sure the grated potatoes are free from excess moisture. If the mixture is too wet, the fritters may not crisp up properly during frying.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount or even omit it.
- Use Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is essential for that aromatic, herbaceous flavor. It pairs beautifully with the mild taste of potatoes, but if basil isn’t available, you can substitute it with parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Conclusion
These Potato Basil Fritters are a delightful and easy-to-make snack that will impress your guests or satisfy your own cravings. Whether you’re enjoying them as a light appetizer, a party snack, or a comforting treat on a cozy evening, these crispy, golden fritters offer a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Paired with a zesty dip, they’re the ultimate finger food for any occasion. Enjoy!
