Leek Latkes

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Cut leeks lengthwise, and wash them well to remove any grit. Dice the leeks, and either steam them or place them in boiling salted water for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain leeks well, pressing them in a dish towel to remove any excess water.

2. Step 2

   Heat oil in nonstick frying pan, and add onion, garlic and shallots. Saute until soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Step 3

   Heat oven to 350 degrees. Place pine nuts on a baking pan, and toast for a few minutes until evenly browned.

4. Step 4

   Place leeks, onion, garlic, shallots, pine nuts, cilantro, eggs and cheese in a mixing bowl, and blend well, adding salt and pepper to taste. Add about ½ cup bread crumbs, or enough to bind.

5. Step 5

   Take about ¼ cup of the leek mixture, and make a patty 2 inches in diameter. Coat patty with bread crumbs, and repeat with remaining mixture.

6. Step 6

   Coat a nonstick frying pan thinly with remaining olive oil, and fry the patties for a few minutes on each side. (For cocktail-size patties, use 1 teaspoon of mixture.) Drain on paper towels.