Ingredients

For the Fritters:

• Eggs: 3
• Flour: 2 tablespoons
• Potatoes: 3 large, grated
• Breadcrumbs: For coating
• Carrot: 1, grated
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Oil: For frying
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Bay leaves: 2
• Leek: 1, sliced
• Bacon: 5 strips, chopped
• Tomatoes: 2, diced
• Salt and black pepper: To taste
• Dried herbs: (e.g., thyme, rosemary, or oregano) of your choice
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped for garnish
• Cheese: 80 g (2.8 oz), grated (any cheese of your choice)

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:

• Sour cream: 200 g (7 oz)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
• Lemon juice: From 1/4 lemon
• Mustard powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Dill: Fresh, chopped
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced

Instructions (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture

1. Grate the vegetables: Start by grating 3 large potatoes and 1 carrot into a large mixing bowl. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the potatoes using a clean kitchen towel to ensure the fritters remain crispy when fried.
2. Mix the batter: Add 3 eggs, 2 tablespoons of flour, minced garlic (3 cloves), and a pinch of salt and pepper to the grated vegetables. Mix well to combine. This will be the base for the fritters.

Step 2: Prepare the Other Ingredients

1. Cook the bacon and leeks: In a frying pan, cook the chopped bacon (5 strips) over medium heat until crispy. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, sauté the sliced leek with 2 tablespoons of butter until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the sautéed leeks and crispy bacon to the potato mixture.
2. Add tomatoes and herbs: Dice 2 tomatoes and add them to the potato mixture. Season with dried herbs of your choice (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano) to taste. Add more salt and black pepper if needed.

Step 3: Form and Fry the Fritters

1. Form the fritters: Using your hands, form small patties (about 3-4 inches in diameter) from the potato mixture. Coat each patty in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.
2. Fry the fritters: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Fry the fritters in batches for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove the fritters and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
3. Add cheese: While the fritters are still warm, sprinkle each one with grated cheese (80 g). The heat from the fritters will melt the cheese slightly, adding a delicious cheesy topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. Mix the sauce ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine 200 g (7 oz) of sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, the juice of 1/4 lemon, 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika.
2. Add the garlic and herbs: Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the sauce mixture. Stir in fresh chopped dill and parsley to taste. Mix everything well until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Serve

1. Plate the fritters: Arrange the crispy potato and bacon fritters on a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with the creamy garlic sauce on the side or drizzled over the fritters.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy the crunchy, flavorful fritters with the tangy, creamy sauce. These fritters are perfect on their own or paired with a light salad or side of roasted vegetables.

Cooking Tips

• Use starchy potatoes: Starchy potatoes like russet or Yukon gold are best for this recipe as they hold together well when fried, resulting in crispier fritters.
• Squeeze out moisture: Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated potatoes to prevent soggy fritters. This step is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
• Customize the filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the fritters, such as chopped spinach, grated zucchini (squeezed of excess water), or even other types of cheese like Parmesan or feta.
• Adjust the sauce: The creamy garlic sauce can be adjusted to your taste by adding more lemon for tanginess or extra garlic for a stronger flavor. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter sauce.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Calcium: 15% DV
• Iron: 10% DV

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I bake the fritters instead of frying them?
   • Yes! You can bake the fritters for a healthier option. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F), place the fritters on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Can I make the fritters in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and form the fritters ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, then fry or bake when ready to serve.
3. What type of cheese works best?
   • Any type of cheese that melts well will work for this recipe. Cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda are excellent choices. You can also experiment with stronger cheeses like feta or blue cheese for added flavor.
4. Can I make the sauce without mustard powder?
   • If you don’t have mustard powder, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, or omit it entirely. The sauce will still be flavorful with the garlic, herbs, and paprika.
5. How can I make the fritters gluten-free?
   • To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or chickpea flour.

Conclusion

These Potato and Bacon Fritters with Creamy Garlic Sauce are a versatile and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any meal. The crispy fritters, packed with bacon, cheese, and vegetables, pair wonderfully with the tangy and flavorful garlic sauce. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or main course, these fritters are sure to be a hit.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe is perfect for home cooks of all levels. Customize the recipe to suit your tastes by experimenting with different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables. Enjoy these fritters fresh and hot, served with the creamy garlic sauce for a delicious and hearty meal!