Sephardic Spinach Kefters
a.k.a. latkes (ashkenaz) or fritters (southern)
in any case, they are yummmm

QITK tip on how to make the best Chanukah latkes apply to these Sephardic Spinach fritters, too.

Sephardic Spinach Latkes ~ from Cooking for the King

1 pound russet or baking potatoes, peeled 

6 green onions, thinly sliced

2 medium eggs

3 tablespoons flour or matzoh meal

3 cup fresh dill, chopped or 2 teaspoons dried

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3/4 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon coarse black pepper

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

vegetable oil, for frying

 Tzatziki Sauce:

1 small cucumber, chopped finely

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup  sour cream, plain yougurt or leben

1/2 teaspoon dried dill

 1.Finely grate potatoes using the small holes on a hand held grater. If using a food processor, after grating, pulse the potatoes with the blade until fine but not pureed. 

2. Place grated potatoes in a large bowl.  Using your hands, squeeze most of the water from the potatoes into the same bowl and place squeezed potato into another bowl. Pour off most of the starchy water from the first bowl, but reserve 2 to 3 tablespoons from the bottom and add back into the potatoes in the second bowl.

3. To the potatoes, add green onions, eggs, flour or matzoh meal, dill, lemon juice, spinach, salt and pepper. Mix well. Add more flour or matzoh meal as needed until you can shape a loose ball with the mixture. Fold in crumbled feta cheese.

4. Place a large skillet over medium high heat. Pour in oil to reach 1/4 inch. Test by dropping a small amount of the mixture into the oil. When it sizzles the oil is hot enough. Gently mound the mixture in a tablespoon measure and place into the hot oil. Flatten gently with a spatula or spoon. Cook 3 to 5 minutes depending on size, until golden and gently flip to brown the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, make Tzatziki Sauce:

In a medium bowl  combine cucumbers, sour cream and dill. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

5. Remove spinach and cheese latkes to drain on paper towels set over sheets of newspaper. Serve immediately.

 Make ahead tip: keep Sephardic Spinach Latkes warm in a 250 degree oven for a half an hour

To Freeze: Place cooked spinach kefters in one layer on a baking pan in the freezer. When solid, remove to a plastic freezer bag and seal well. They will keep for up to 6 weeks. When ready to serve, place frozen spinach kefters on a baking pan and pop into a preheated 400 degree oven for 10 minutes.

Sauce will keep for one week, covered in the refrigerator. 

 makes about 15 latkes ~ can make ahead ~ can freeze                            preparation time: 15 minutes ~ cooking time: 20 minutes using two pans

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