Beef and Spinach Fritters

mersaydees's Note:

Based on a recipe from an article in Bon Appetit's May 1985 issues called "The Exciting Flavors of Tunisia" by Copeland Marks.

• Total Time: 40 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 14

• 4 ½ white bread , slices, crusts trimmed
• 1 lb spinach , stemmed and insed, do not dry
• 2 lbs ground beef
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 2 eggs , beaten to blend
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 large garlic clove , minced
• all-purpose flour
• olive oil (for deep frying)

Directions:

1. Moisten bread with water; squeeze dry. Chop finely and set aside.
2. Cook spinach in heavy large skillet over high heat and stir until wilted. Cool slightly; squeeze dry. Finely chop.
3. In medium bowl, mix spinach, beef, bread, onion, eggs, salt, pepper and garlic.
4. Shape into 14 patties (about 1/2 cup each).
5. Dredge in flour, shaking off excess.
6. Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add patties and fry until crisp on outside and cooked through.
8. Serve immediately.

Reviews

[bluemoon downunder]

These meatballs were moist and wonderfully flavoursome. I moistened my bread with red wine instead of water, and I used baby spinach leaves, including the stalks which are always soft enough not to need removing. I halved the salt and doubled the garlic (personal taste preferences). Because I'm always trying to lower the fat content, I cooked my meatballs on a tray, covered loosely with foil, at a medium temperature in the oven for about 25 minutes. I also added 1/2 cup of fresh, chopped parsley in step 3. We ate these with pasta and MarraMamba's The Simplest Tomato Sauce Ever (Marcella Hazan) 273976. Loved these, mersaydees: thanks for sharing this great recipe which I know I'll make again. Made for NA*ME Tag.

[MsSally]

These were very good. I havved the recipe and made regular sized burgers. Served with mashed potatoes and beef gravy. Very yummy and a good way to sneak the green stuff into DH although DD didn't fall for it....

[Elmotoo]

OOH!! Deep fried meatloaf meatballs with spinach to make them 'heathier'? Tough to beat that. Even THE PICKY ONE loved them! Fun to make, fun to eat & delicious. Made for NA*ME Tag. :)