Parmesan Yamcakes

Does someone want to volunteer to come film me when I cook, and then make mini cooking videos for social media? I wish. I love watching those videos. They're on every newsfeed I have, all the time. I'm really not mad about it. Food Network is probably pissed because it's an easier way for people to watch but not commit to a whole show. Seems like they're jumping on the bandwagon. They suckered me in with this Giada video for Parmesan Potato Pancakes on Facebook or something. 

It's totally a winter recipe, but it didn't stop me. It's been about 100 degrees + 100% humidity in Chicago the past week. Last week I came home with ground beef to make burgers with (my husband was not happy to be at the grill in 100 degrees) and a sweet potato. Who cares. I made a tomato salad to balance the summer out. 

A quick diversion. Sweet Potatoes or Yams? I'm a huge yam fan. I find most sweet potatoes to be, well, too sweet. 

Parmesan Yamcakes
makes 4-6 pancakes

1 medium-large sweet potato or yam
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
2 eggs (whisked)
1 shallot (minced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 dash red pepper flakes
olive oil
salt and pepper

Prep your sweet potato or yam. Start by peeling it with a potato peeler. Next, grate it either on a box grater or with a grating attachment on your food processor.  If you're using a food processor, make sure to cut the potato up into quarters or eighths. Transfer the grated potato to a large mixing bowl. 

In a large saute pan, heat a tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add shallot, garlic, salt, pepper and a dash of crushed red pepper flakes, and cook until transluscent, about 4 minutes. 

To the potatoes, add Parmesan, breadcrumps, whisked eggs, 1 tbsp olive oil, shallot and garlic mixture (including oil from the pan), salt and pepper. With your hands, mix it all together until it forms a cohesive ball. It should be moist and stick together. If it's too dry, add more oil. If it's too loose, add more breadcrumbs. 

Form into 3-4 inch patties, about 1/2 inch thick. You'll have 4-6 patties depending on the size of your potato and the size of your patties. 

Heat the same large large saute pan over medium heat and add a couple tbsp of olive oil. Drop in the patties and let the first side cook for 12-15 minutes. Test after 12 minutes to see if there is a nice brown crust and they easily come up from the bottom of the pan. Flip and cook for another 12-15 minutes. 

Remove from heat and serve with more freshly grated parmesan.