Leek and Potato Patties aka Leek Potato cakes
These Leek and potato patties make delicious appetizers or an ideal side dish to accompany many meat dishes. This simple, easy and effortless recipe will have you making these in less than 20 minutes. Very traditionally made during Passover or Easter across the Middle East. Delicious moist and tenderly cooked till golden brown.
The three things that absolutely must be made in our home when leeks are in season are Leek and Potato Soup, Leek and Potato latkes and Leek and Potato Fritters. These are by far the most appreciated and devoured in our home. Now I have already shared with you my recipe for Healthy Leek and Potato Soup which I hope you will try soon. The fritters are another amazing creation similar to my Zucchini Fritter made with grated potatoes and leeks
Small little bite-size cakes that my kids pop into their mouth like snacks. Yup, no one’s complaining about the veggies in there anymore! Can you guess where I’m headed..! Yes, it’s a great place to sneak in some grated carrots, parsnips or… oh you get the point.
Now I will be honest and tell you that I am lucky when it comes to my kids eating their veggies. My kids do appreciate veggies. Yup, you must see them enjoy Broccoli.. !!
So I usually will tell them what’s in and if they happen to dislike something we leave it for the moment until we try again next time. That’s my way to approach it especially because kids’ taste buds are changing all the time so what they dislike today may just be a big fancy six months later.
About these Leek and Potato Patties
These do not take long to make and are the perfect side with any main course. In fact, I like to boil the potatoes ahead of time or the previous day and leave them in the fridge. Using a day old potatoes makes it easier to work with.
Leeks are from the onion family but without the sharp pungent taste. Once cooked it really shrinks down to 1/10 of its original volume. You can adjust the ratio of leeks to potato. If you like leeks add more and they will be very tasty
If you making these for guests you can form the patties up to two days ahead of time and leave them in the fridge. On the day of the event, you can pan-fry these hot and ready to go.
Let’s talk ingredients and substitutes – (Save/Pin)
- Leeks – if you are not used to eating leeks they usually have a light taste of onion and garlic but much less pungent with an almost slight sweetness. We usually use only the white and light green parts for the soup but the dark green parts are edible and can be added to your soup broth or stockpot.
- Potatoes – I always use potatoes but if you prefer you can use sweet potatoes too!
- Onion and garlic – I know leeks are from the onion and garlic family and yet believe it or this onion and garlic does add a ton of flavor. And yes do not skip on sauteing them first. I must prefer the taste of sauteed onions and garlic over raw in these bites.
- Bread Crumbs – These do take any extra moisture from the leeks making sure they do not fall apart on you.
- Parmesan – I KNOW not very traditional by I absolutely love that little zing and nutty flavor that Parmesan adds to this. Probably one of the reasons why Ziv goes around telling people his wife makes the best leek and potato patties. ha! Now you want to keep them kosher you may want to keep the Parmesan out.
- Cilantro /Parsley – I think traditionally most people use parsley – but being Indian born I love the pungent flavor of cilantro over parsley so often I will switch parsley.
Ratio – Leek Potato Patties or Leek Patties (Save/Pin)
Below I have given you a 1:1 ratio of Leeks to potatoes – which is 2 cups cooked leeks and 2 cups cooked potatoes. But you can use more or less of either leeks or potatoes based on your preference. If you buy to find that when you cooked the leeks it’s 3, not 2 cups – don’t worry – go ahead and add them in. The recipe is quite forgiving. Don’t forget to adjust seasonings accordingly too.
Useful Tips and Tools
- A large Mixing Bowls works great to bring everything together
- I like using a large Fry pan and doing as much as I can in the first batch
- A fat Spatula works great
- A Colander for draining excess moisture from the veggies
- A clean Chopping Board and Knife to cut all the veggies
How to Make Leek and Potato Patties aka Leek Potato Cakes (Save/Pin)
Clean & Chop Veggies
- Split leek lengthways,
- Wash under running water to get all the grit out,
- Drain excess liquid and
- Chop fairly thin
- Peel and chop potatoes into small cubes.
- Chop onion and garlic fairy thin
Cook Veggies
- Leeks can be cooked in the microwave for 3 minutes then drain to remove excess liquid Or
- Saute Onions and garlic in 1 tbsp oil then add leeks and saute for about 3 minutes until limp
- Potatoes can be boiled in water for 3 minutes or in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes.
Assemble
- In a bowl – mash cooked potatoes
- combine cooked leeks, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine – then add remaining dry ingredients – Parmesan, nutmeg, bread crumbs, cumin, cilantro
- Stir well to combine – taste for seasoning – if necessary add salt or pepper now.
- Lastly, add beaten egg – combine well again
- To make patties – foam a ball with your hands then flatten. Shape sides. You can also mold them into shapes like start or squares to get the kids excited.
- Set aside – you can leave these in the fridge wrapped with cling wrap for about 2 days – until you are ready to serve
Cook the Patties
- Add 2 tbsp oil to a saute pan – over medium-high heat.
- Place the patties in hot oil and shallow fry
- Cook on each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot!
Frequently asked questions
If you chop the leeks too thick or have too many lumps in the potatoes it will be too bulky to shape them into patties. You can try roughly chopping thru them again. Alternatively, you can also give it a few pulses in the food processor.
I like to use the light green and a little of the dark green but not the very top thick green part. Chop them fine and cook them until cooked thru.
There is no need for egg in this recipe. In fact, the egg will make a soft consistency which will be hard to form into shapes. The mashed potato is a very good binder so you should have no issues with forming the patties.
My kids eat these with ketchup. We often add them into our burger bread for sandwiches. I love using a side of sour cream or yogurt dip(try my yogurt dip shared with my carrot zucchini fritters)
Absolutely, try Swiss chard, spinach, collard greens instead of leeks
There is so many of our everyday fresh produce that works great with patties, fritter or cakes. Try my
Carrot Zucchini Patties
Tuna Potato Patties
Kidney Beans Swiss Chard Patties
Vegan Kidney Burgers
Leek Potato Patties
Tuna Patties
Potato Latkes or
Minced chicken Patties
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Leek and Potato Patties – Leek Potato Cakes
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Ingredients
- 5 cups (0.98 lb) Leek chopped
- 2 cups (2 cups) Potatoes chopped
- 1/2 cup (2.82 oz) Onion chopped
- 1 clove (1 clove) Garlic chopped
- 1 tsp (1 tsp) Salt
- 1 (1 ) Egg large
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) Cumin
- 1/4 tsp (0.25 tsp) Pepper
- 2 tbsp (1.04 oz) Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp (1.04 oz) Parmesan optional
- 1/2 cup (0.5 cup) Cilantro or parsley chopped
- 4 tbsp (2 floz) Canola or olive oil for shallow frying
Instructions
Clean & Chop Veggies
- Split leek lengthways,
- Wash under running water to get all the grit out,
- Drain excess liquid and
- Chop fairly thin
- Peel and chop potatoes into small cubes.
- Chop onion and garlic fairy thin
Cook Veggies
- Leeks can be cooked in the microwave for 3 minutes then drain to remove excess liquid Or
- Saute Onions and garlic in 1 tbsp oil then add leeks and saute for about 3 minutes until limp
- Potatoes can be boiled in water for 3 minutes or in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes.
Assemble
- In a bowl – mash cooked potatoes
- combine cooked leeks, onions, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine – then add remaining dry ingredients – Parmesan, nutmeg, bread crumbs, cumin, cilantro
- Stir well to combine – taste for seasoning – if necessary add salt or pepper now.
- Lastly, add beaten egg – combine well again
- To make patties – foam a ball with your hands then flatten. Shape sides. You can also mold them into shapes like start or squares to get the kids excited.
- Set aside – you can leave these in the fridge wrapped with cling wrap for about 2 days – until you are ready to serve
Cook the Patties
- Add 2 tbsp oil to a saute pan – over medium-high heat.
- Place the patties in hot oil and shallow fry
- Cook on each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve hot!
Recipe Video
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Nutrition Information
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Denise
Oh these look so good! Like pure comfort food for me. My husband loves potatoes and leeks together so I’ve got to try these soon. I like that you can eat them as a side dish. Do you have a potato & leek soup recipe too? I’ll have to go look. Great post!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Denise. I think he will love this and yes I do have a potato and leek soup too.
Marie - NotEnoughCinnamon.com
oh YUM they look so good, I need to try these for Pesach! BTW do you still live in Israel? I just relocated to Tel Aviv!
Veena Azmanov
Hi Marie – yes I live in Israel, Ra’anana! Welcome to Israel.
Marisa Franca
Oh! Your patties look so yummy!! The two main ingredients are so complimentary. And the seasonings you include are very inspirational. I can see why your kiddos love the patties. When my kids were young I did just like you. They just had to taste it and then I wouldn’t force them to eat the rest. That way they were agreeable about trying something new. And yes, what they didn’t like at one time they did later on. Now, this dish would have been a hit right away.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Marisa. The kids sure love these. I don’t believe in forcing kids to eat anything. If they don’t like something healthy now I give them more options. Often when they have a choice they choose to eat what you give them lol at least my kids
Michelle
I can’t even tell you how amazing these look. I’ve been making something similar for my son a lot lately, but I need to up the flavor!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Michelle, You will love these
Julia
I love these kind of patties! They are called Bubble and Squeak in England for some reason. I make mine with any kind of left over green vegetables but I love your variation of leeks (just like leek and potato soup as you said).
Veena Azmanov
Of course Julia they are so versatile. I often make other versions as well – swiss chard, spinach, tuna. Kids seem to love these which makes giving them veggies fun.
Gloria
I am such a potato lover….so these are right up my alley. I could make a meal on these alone. Pile on the sour cream and I would be in heaven. Perfect side dish for brunch or dinner.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Glorila – Yes sour cream makes everything taste better. Would be perfect for sure.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
These look delicious!These would certainly make the perfect side dish in my household!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Bintu. Happy to hear that.
Tania @ The Cook's Pyjamas
Feeding children is my daily struggle, but everything potato seems to go down OK. These look delicious, so I adding them to my list of foods that I hope will tempt the fussy eaters 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Tania – I’m sure they will enjoy it.
Traci
I love anything with leek as a star ingredient, but lack ideas sometimes. This is a winner for sure! Especially combined with potatoes? Yummm all around. Pinning, sharing, and bookmarking for sure 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Absolutely Traci.. these are simple, easy and delicious. You must try.
Jere Cassidy
I love potato patties and never thought of adding leeks, what a good idea.
Veena Azmanov
Leeks make potato patties even more tasty Jere – you must try.
Sarah
I am a huge sucker for potato patties and leeks are about to come into season here so this recipe is perfect!
Veena Azmanov
Me too Sarah. I love leeks and this is really perfect.
traci
Omgosh these look so good! I’m always looking for recipes to utilize leek because I love them so much. And potatoes combined with leek or a winning combo for sure! Can’t wait to try these out…thanks for the recipe inspiration 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Traci. I know what you mean. I love leeks very much too.
Jeanette
These looks very delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe 🙂
Veena Azmanov
You are very welcome Jeanette
Meredith
I love hiding veggies in foods that my family loves too! These leek and potato cakes sound just delicious… I can’t wait to try them!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Meredith. I’m sure you will love it.
Kylee
Leeks are such an underused vegetable. They pair perfectly with the potatoes in this recipe! YUM.
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Kylee. Yeah they are perfect with potatoes
Natalie
Veena these leek potato patties are PERFECT! This is an easy way to sneak more veggies into my kids daily meals. Leek is totally in season now so I’m going to make these very soon. Love the spices you used here. Looks delicious!
Veena Azmanov
Sure is a nice way to add veggies Natalie. Hope you try it. Thanks
Jennifer A Stewart
I’m a total sucker for leeks too! When I make potato leek soup I usually add WAY too many leeks and make it thick almost like mashed potatoes. These potato cakes are the perfect way to serve my dish in a new way to keep everyone happy! Thanks!
Veena Azmanov
Thanks Jennifer – I know what you mean. I usually keep the potatoes in check because my son loves his potatoes.
Daniela Anderson
What a fantastic recipe, my little one is so fussy when it comes to trying new foods, it makes my day when she eats something she wouldn’t normally even look at. She hardly ever tries potatoes, but I think she might really like these patties, I must make her some, I am sure she will love them. Brilliant! Leek and potatoes are always a great combination.
Veena Azmanov
So happy to hear that Daniela. I know what you mean. I have the opposite problem. My Rhea is a fussy eater but she eats a lot of veggies. Her dietitian wants her to eat the high calorie stuff which she hates lol. So I have a hard time giving her ice creams and shakes.. no problem with veggies
Molly Kumar
These sound fabulous Veena!!! We are such Aloo Tikki fans and the combination with leeks looks yummm. I’ve tried making patties with so many things but this combination sounds perfect for spring/summer.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Molly. They sure are the aloo tikki types.. just with leeks lol
Adriana Lopez Martn
My mom had a very similar recipe but only with the potatoes and added cheese. Must try it with leeks I do love the flavor and pairs wonderfully with potatoes yummy!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Adriana. I too make mashed potatoes with cheddar cheese patties. They are really very popular in our home. Love these too.
Sandhya Ramakrishnan
I so agree with sneaking in vegetables in patties. I am big fan of adding any and all veggies that I have in the refrigerator to make vegetable cutlets/patties and my kids gobble them up instantly. The potato and leeks combination is delicious!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Sandhya. I know what you mean. I love mixed veg patties. Kids fancy them more than any other
swathi
I know leek and potato are great combo by making in soup, never tried it in the form of cake. I will give it a try .
Veena Azmanov
You will love these Swathi. Just like the Aloo Tikki but with leeks
Byron Thomas
Of all the rustic, comforting ingredients on the planet, leeks and potatoes are among my favourites. A while back, I made an Irish Colcannon using those ingredients, and the leftovers were fried up the next day into patty form, similar to this. Wish I had seen this recipe earlier, I could have used some of your seasoning inspiration. 🙂
Veena Azmanov
I know what you mean. I love anything leek and potato together. You left over fried up version sounds yum. Yeah I love adding a little extra flavor to potato – they absorb it so well. Thanks Byron
Noel Lizotte
Veena,
I can see why your kids pop these into their mouth …I’m tempted just by the pictures! Then I read the ingredients list! What great flavors!!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you so much Noel. yeah it feels weird how they pop these in the mouth.. especially because other wise they frown on leaves lol
Helene D'Souza
Oh your leek potato patties look exactly like our Pressknödel, which are smashed bread dumplings with cheese and seasoning. I can imagine serving those with some meat and a lovely sauce. Maybe a beef goulash. 🙂
Veena Azmanov
Never heard of Pressknodel Helene – Will look into it. I love how we always find similarities in food made all around the world in different names
ManilaSpoon
Nutmeg and cumin add so much flavor to any dish that I can just imagine how delicious these potato cakes are!! Certainly, a must-try!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you ManilaSpoon. Yes there definitely were delicious
[email protected]
Yummm. I would have no problem snacking on these. And you’re Right this is a great way to sneak in extra veggies
Veena Azmanov
That is true Stephanie.. My Aadi loves having them as snack and sometimes uses them in his sandwich too
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
I love leek and potato soup, so these would be fantastic for sure. Perfect for brunches and dinner, or even a great appetizer with a dip.
Veena Azmanov
Your absolutely right Gloria.. Would be perfect for lunch, dinner, brunch, appetizer… snack.. so versatile.
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish
I can imagine how delicious these are. I love potatoes and leeks together, but I’ve never had them in a pattie form. They look so good! Love that golden crust.
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Emily. Yeah they are so delish. you must try.
VIdya
My son like patties, I have never used leek guess it s time?Potato cake looks yum
Veena Azmanov
Leeks are delicious you must try. Thanks
Amanda
Classic combination. They would make great appetizers or a side dish. I need to make these soon!
Veena Azmanov
Thank you Amanda