Welsh Leek and Potato Cakes on the Arteflame Grill

Introduction

These crispy Welsh leek and potato cakes are grilled to perfection on the Arteflame, creating a golden-brown crust with a soft, flavorful center. Perfect as a side dish or a vegetarian main course, this recipe takes advantage of the Arteflame's even heat distribution to achieve a perfect sear without burning. The buttery leeks enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes, making this a dish you'll want to prepare again and again.

Ingredients

• 2 large potatoes, peeled and grated
• 1 leek, finely chopped
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil onto three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins inside the grill and stack firewood over them.
3. Light the napkins and let the firewood catch.
4. Wait about 20 minutes until the cooktop heats up and creates an even cooking surface.

Step 2: Prepare the ingredients

1. Grate the potatoes and place them in a clean kitchen towel.
2. Squeeze out any excess moisture from the potatoes.
3. Finely chop the leek.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped leeks, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, cheese, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and parsley.
5. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Grill the potato cakes

1. Melt the butter on the Arteflame flat cooktop, positioning it closer to the center where it's hotter.
2. Form the mixture into small round cakes, about half an inch thick.
3. Place them on the hot cooktop and let them sear for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown.
4. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes, moving them to a slightly cooler zone if necessary to prevent burning.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the potato cakes from the grill and let them rest for 2 minutes.
2. Garnish with extra parsley and serve immediately.

Tips

• For extra crispiness, use a little more butter while grilling.
• Keep an eye on the temperature zones of the Arteflame cooktop to cook the cakes evenly.
• If your potato cake batter is too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs.

Variations

1. Spicy Potato Cakes: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper and a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
2. Herb-Infused Potato Cakes: Mix in fresh thyme and rosemary for a more aromatic flavor.
3. Cheese Lover's Potato Cakes: Use a mix of cheddar and Gruyère for extra richness.
4. Smoky Bacon Potato Cakes: Add finely chopped, grilled bacon bits for a smoky twist.
5. Mediterranean Potato Cakes: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese.

Best Pairings

• Grilled lamb chops
• Smoky grilled mushrooms
• Fire-roasted vegetables
• Garlic aioli or sour cream dipping sauce
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc

Conclusion

Grilling Welsh leek and potato cakes on the Arteflame enhances their crispy texture and brings out their rich flavors. The combination of buttery leeks and crispy potatoes makes this dish irresistible. Try these delicious cakes as a side dish or a hearty vegetarian main, and enjoy the even cooking of the Arteflame's flat griddle cooktop.