1poundleeks(2 medium sized) washed trimmed and sliced finely
1tablespoonbutter
2eggs
¼cupsour cream(50g)
⅔cupall-purpose flour (plain flour)(85g)
1 ½teaspoonsbaking powder
½teaspoonground cumin
¼teaspoonground turmeric
¼teaspoonground cinnamon
¼cupcheddar cheese(25g) shredded
2tablespoonsparsley chopped
¼teaspoondried red chili flakesoptional
⅛teaspoonsalt
⅛teaspoonpepper
4tablespoonsolive oilfor frying
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
½cupGreek yogurt(125g)
2teaspoonsgarlic minced
1tablespoonlemon juice
1tablespoonolive oil
1teaspoonparsleyfreshly chopped
salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Add the butter to a frying pan over a medium heat. When it melts, add the sliced leeks and fry, stirring often, until soft - about 5-7 minutes.
Add the eggs and sour cream to a bowl and beat well.
Sift in the flour, baking powder, cumin, turmeric and cinnamon and gently stir.
Add the cooked leeks, cheese, parsley and chili flakes (if using) and season with the salt and pepper. Gently stir it all together into a thick batter.
Heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add heaped tablespoonfuls of the fritter batter to the pan and gently spread into small rounds, leaving space between them.
Cook until golden brown (about 3 minutes on each side), flip and cook the other side, ensuring they’re cooked through.
Repeat with the remaining oil and batter.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce
Stir all the sauce ingredients together and store in the fridge until ready to use.
Serve the leek fritters warm, with a dollop of garlic yogurt sauce.
Notes
For best results, use a heavy skillet or griddle to pan-fry the fritters. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and get a nice golden brown sear on each side.The leek mixture can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to use.If the leeks are browning too quickly, reduce the heat to low.The fritters can also be baked in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes instead of pan-fried.VariationsTry adding in a few finely chopped green onions or chives to the batter for even more onion flavor.Add a small handful of corn kernels to the batter.Instead of using cheddar, try other shredded cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or gruyere.