Kookoo Sib Zamini - Persian Potato Patties

I love serving these delicious, golden potato patties (kookoo sib zamini) as either a side dish or a main dish for a light lunch or dinner. In Iran, fried vegetable and egg dishes are known as kookoo (also referred to as kuku), and there are many variations. This simple yet flavorful version, made with potatoes, is a classic and makes a perfect dish to pack for a picnic. کوکو سیب زمینی 

Kookoo Sib-Zamini - Persian Potato Patties

Ingredients

Yield: About 14 potato patties

-5 large potatoes
-2 large eggs
-1 small yellow onion, grated (discard the juice)

-2-3 tablespoons bread crumbs
-1/2 teaspoon turmeric
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying

Method

1. Place potatoes in a large pot, cover with water by a couple of inches, and boil over medium-high heat until fork-tender. Drain and let cool.
2. Peel the potatoes and grate them. 
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, then add the grated potatoes, onion, turmeric, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then refrigerate the mixture for about 1 hour to help it firm up.
4. Shape the mixture into small patties and flatten into oval or round shapes. Alternatively, you can spoon the mixture directly into the hot oil.
5. Heat the oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the patties until light brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.

Serve warm or at room temperature with fresh herbs, pickles, olives, yogurt, and warm bread.

*Note: for extra flavor, stir in a handful of chopped parsley or a teaspoon of dried dill to the mixture.

Enjoy!