Cumin Potato Cakes

At his restaurant, Gary Danko serves these cakes in a more luxurious (and costly) manner, paired with roasted quail and topped with a poached quail egg. Delicious, Quick Side Dishes

Yield:
8
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Ingredients

  • 4 pounds baking potatoes

  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds

  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

  • 2 bunches chives, snipped (1/2 cup)

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch

  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin

  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°. Prick the potatoes and bake for 50 minutes, or until tender. When cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh into a bowl and coarsely mash; let cool slightly. Lower the oven temperature to 250°.

  2. In a small skillet, toast the cumin seeds over moderate heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant, about 2 minutes; transfer to a plate to cool.

  3. In a large bowl, mix the eggs with the chives, cornstarch, baking powder, ground cumin, toasted cumin seeds and salt. Add the potatoes and mash just until chunky and blended. Divide the potato mixture into 16 portions, then form into 2 1/2-inch patties.

  4. In a large nonstick skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add 8 patties to the skillet and cook over moderate heat, turning once, until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to the oven and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining patties. Transfer the hot potato cakes to a platter and serve.

Make Ahead

The recipe can be prepared through Step 3 and refrigerated overnight. Bring to room temperature before frying.

Originally appeared: April 2002

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