Ingredients

For the Potato Fritters:

• 3-4 medium-sized potatoes
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 65g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• Frying oil (vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil)

For the Spicy Mayo Caper Sauce:

• 1/2 shallot (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp capers (chopped)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Sriracha
• Black pepper to taste
• Chives (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Peel and grate the potatoes:
   Begin by peeling 3-4 medium-sized potatoes. Grate the potatoes using a box grater or food processor with a grating attachment. The goal is to get thin, uniform shreds.
2. Remove excess moisture:
   Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Removing the excess water ensures that the fritters become crispy when fried. Set the potatoes aside.

Step 2: Make the Fritter Batter

1. Mix the dry ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine 65g (1/2 cup) of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
2. Add the eggs:
   Crack 2 eggs into the flour mixture and whisk until a smooth batter forms. The eggs will help bind the fritters together during frying.
3. Incorporate the potatoes:
   Add the grated potatoes to the batter and mix until all the potatoes are coated evenly. The mixture should be thick but not too dry. If it feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water or milk to loosen the batter slightly.

Step 3: Fry the Potato Fritters

1. Heat the oil:
   In a large skillet or frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan with about 1/4 inch of oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of the batter into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
2. Form the fritters:
   Using a spoon or your hands, scoop small portions of the potato mixture and carefully drop them into the hot oil. Flatten them slightly with a spatula to create a uniform shape, ensuring even frying.
3. Fry until golden and crispy:
   Fry the fritters for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if necessary to avoid lowering the oil temperature.
4. Drain the fritters:
   Once the fritters are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mayo Caper Sauce

1. Chop the shallot and capers:
   Finely chop 1/2 shallot and 1 tablespoon of capers. The shallot adds a mild onion flavor, while the capers bring a tangy, briny element to the sauce.
2. Mix the sauce ingredients:
   In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of Sriracha, and the chopped shallot and capers. Mix until everything is well combined.
3. Season with black pepper:
   Add black pepper to taste and mix well. If you want more heat, you can add extra Sriracha. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Sriracha.
4. Optional garnish:
   For extra color and flavor, you can garnish the sauce with chopped fresh chives.

Step 5: Serve the Fritters

1. Plate the fritters:
   Arrange the crispy potato fritters on a serving platter. Serve them warm, as they are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
2. Serve with the sauce:
   Serve the fritters with the spicy mayo caper sauce on the side for dipping. You can also drizzle the sauce over the fritters for a more indulgent presentation.

Cooking Tips

• Crispy Fritters: Squeezing out the excess moisture from the grated potatoes is crucial to achieving crispy fritters. Too much moisture in the potatoes will cause the fritters to become soggy instead of crispy.
• Frying Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the fritters. If the oil is too cool, the fritters will absorb excess oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is fully cooked.
• Cheese Addition: For extra flavor, you can add shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) to the potato batter before frying. The cheese will melt and add a rich, creamy texture to the fritters.
• Variations: You can customize the flavor of these fritters by adding other spices or herbs, such as cumin, paprika, or parsley. For a different texture, you can also mix in finely grated carrots or zucchini.

Storage

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a hot skillet or oven to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the fritters soggy.
• In the Freezer: If you want to freeze the fritters, allow them to cool completely after frying. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, bake the fritters at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Nutritional Facts (Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: Approximately 250 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Vitamin C: 15% of daily recommended intake
• Calcium: 4% of daily recommended intake
• Iron: 8% of daily recommended intake

FAQs

1. Can I bake these fritters instead of frying them?
   Yes! To bake the fritters, preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and lightly grease it. Place the fritters on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Absolutely! To make these fritters gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. The result will still be crispy and delicious.
3. What other sauces can I serve with these fritters?
   While the spicy mayo caper sauce complements the fritters well, you can also serve them with other dips like sour cream, garlic aioli, or even a yogurt-based sauce for a lighter option.
4. How do I know when the fritters are done frying?
   The fritters are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. You can also cut one fritter open to ensure that the inside is fully cooked and no longer raw.
5. Can I make these fritters vegan?
   To make these fritters vegan, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before adding it to the batter.

Conclusion
Crispy Potato Fritters with Spicy Mayo Caper Sauce is a delicious, crunchy, and flavorful snack that’s sure to be a hit with friends and family. The crispy texture of the fritters pairs perfectly with the tangy, spicy sauce, making it an irresistible dish. These fritters are versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, side dish, or even a light meal.