Classic Spanish Potato Fritters | Patatas Huecas

These Classic Spanish Potato Fritters, known as Patatas Huecas, are what humble and delicious food is all about. We´re talking basic pantry staples, easy to make and a ton of great flavors. Serve these fritters as a tapas appetizer or even as a side dish.

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: When frying the fritters, make sure to use a medium heat and nothing higher. Otherwise, they will brown too quickly on the outside and not fully cook in the inside. The ingredients below make about 40 fritters. If you want to make less, just cut the recipe in half.

Classic Spanish Potato Fritters | Patatas Huecas

Watch Albert preparing this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOjO9pOlVdQ

Ingredients

FOR THE POTATO FRITTERS

  • 2 lbs yukon gold potatoes 900 grams
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk 60 ml
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour 30 grams
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 8 grams
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley 8 grams
  • pinch sea salt

FOR THE SPICY AIOLI

  • 1/2 cup low fat mayonnaise 120 grams
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp hot smoked Spanish paprika 2.50 grams
  • 1 tsp lemon juice 5 ml
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 15 ml
  • pinch sea salt
  • dash black pepper

EXTRAS

  • 1 cup virgin olive oil 240 ml
  • handful chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Cut the potatoes (peeled) into small 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick pieces, then add the potatoes into a stock pot, fill with water, just enough to cover the potatoes, add in the bay leaf, season generously with sea salt and heat it with a high heat
  2. After 15 to 20 minutes the potatoes should be cooked through, just pierce them with a toothpick to ensure they´re done, drain the potatoes into a colander and rinse under cold water, remove the bay leaf
  3. Add the potatoes into a large bowl, using a potato masher or large fork, mash the potatoes
  4. Crack the eggs into a separate bowl, whisk together, then add over the mashed potatoes and mix together until well mixed, then add in the milk, flour and baking powder, finely grate in 2 cloves of garlic, add in the chopped parsley and season generously with sea salt, mix together until you get a semi thick batter
  5. Heat a large fry pan with a medium heat and add in the 1 cup of virgin olive oil
  6. Once the oil is nice and hot start cooking the fritters, with the help of two spoons grab some of the batter, about the size of a golf ball and add into the pan, make sure each fritter is in a single layer and evenly spaced out, cook in batches to not over-crowd the pan, fry for 5 minutes per side or until golden fried all around, then transfer into a dish with paper towels
  7. Once all the fritters are done make the aioli, add the mayonnaise into a bowl, finely grate in the garlic, add in the hot smoked Spanish paprika, lemon juice and olive oil, season with sea salt & black pepper and whisk together
  8. Transfer the aioli over a serving plate, decorate the fritters around it and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, enjoy!

Mediterranean Diet Improves Liver Function

Mediterranean Diet Improves Liver Function

A recent study suggests that adhering to the Mediterranean diet can prevent the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alleviate symptoms for those already affected.  NAFLD involves the accumulation of fat in the liver, known as steatosis. The progression of NAFLD may lead to liver damage and increase the risk of chronic illnesses like kidney disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  The study also emphasized the role of extra virgin olive oil, a key component of the Mediterranean diet, in promoting health, and researchers suggested that the diet might be crucial for preventing NAFLD onset in the broader population.

The Mediterranean diet, even for just one year, was found to improve NAFLD conditions and positively impact gut microbiota. Lifestyle interventions, including weight loss, exercise, and adopting the Mediterranean diet, are crucial as there is currently no medication to cure NAFLD. 

The study focused on metabolic syndrome patients over 60, showing that stricter adherence to the Mediterranean diet led to substantial improvements in gut microbiota. The gut microbiota’s composition is crucial for immune and metabolic functions, and changes observed in the study implied improved gut health and reduced risk of chronic illnesses.

However, the researchers acknowledged the need for further assessment beyond the specific sample used in the study.