GOODNESS
Garlic: Garlic is in the same family as onions and leeks, and purportedly provided ancient Roman soldiers the courage to battle the barbarians. Whether or not it gives you courage, it is known to lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart and helps prevent stroke. In addition, it has a long history as a digestive aid, so don't be shy with this wonderful herb, no matter what it does to your breath!
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Recipe

Garbanzo Bean Bean and Potato Fritters with Red Bell Pepper Harissa

serves
prep time: 10
cook time: 33

ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups white potatoes (about 3 medium)
  • 3/4 cup chopped leek (white and pale green parts only)
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 1/4 cups drained canned garbanzo bean beans (chickpeas, about 1 1/2 15 ounce cans)
  • 3 large garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 tablespoons plus additional all purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Red Bell Pepper Harissa

directions

Cook potatoes in pot of boiling salted water until tender. Drain, refrigerate until cold, about 30 minutes.

Peel potatoes, grate coarsely into large bowl. Mix in leek and cilantro.

Blend garbanzo bean beans, garlic, cumin, salt, pepper and baking powder in processor until almost smooth. Stir into potato mixture. Mix in 3 tablespoons flour. Using floured hands, shape 2 rounded tablespoons mixture into ball, flatten into 0.5 inch -thick disk, about 2 inches in diameter. Place on lightly floured baking sheet. Repeat with remaining mixture, forming about 24 fritters. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Sprinkle lightly with flour. Cover and refrigerate.)

Pour enough oil into 2 heavy large skillets to reach depth of 0.25 inch. Heat over medium heat until sprinkle of water sizzles in oil. Coat each fritter with flour. Fry fritters until brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels, drain.

Overlap 3 fritters on each plate. Spoon Red Bell Pepper Harissa alongside.