Frittella di patate

The Frittella di Patate, or Italian potato fritter, is a delicious and easy recipe popular in Italian cuisine. These fritters are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Here’s a detailed recipe to make them:

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes
• 1 medium onion (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 large egg
• 2–3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
• 50g grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Potatoes
   Peel the potatoes and grate them using a coarse grater. Place the grated potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 5 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and squeeze out as much water as possible by pressing with your hands or using a clean kitchen towel.
2. Mix the Ingredients
   In a mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, finely chopped onion (if using), beaten egg, flour, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky; if too wet, add a bit more flour.
3. Heat the Oil
   In a large frying pan, heat enough olive oil over medium heat to shallow-fry the fritters.
4. Form the Fritters
   Scoop a small amount of the potato mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly to form a patty. Carefully place it in the hot oil. Repeat with the remaining mixture, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Fry the Fritters
   Cook the fritters for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning. Once done, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Serve
   Garnish the fritters with chopped parsley or chives. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like garlic aioli or marinara.

Tips

• For Extra Crispiness: Ensure you squeeze as much water as possible from the potatoes before mixing.
• Flavor Variations: Add herbs like rosemary or thyme, or sprinkle a little smoked paprika into the batter for a unique twist.

Enjoy your homemade Frittella di Patate as a tasty snack or appetizer!