Vegetarian Syrian Pumpkin Patties

Ingredients

• 1 cup fine bulgur
• warm water, for soaking
• 2 cups mashed cooked pumpkin (about 2 1/2 pounds raw) or 16 ounces pure-pack canned pumpkin
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon grated black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 pinch cayenne
• olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)

Directions

1. 1

   Soak the bulgur in warm water for 20 minutes.

2. 2

   Drain.

3. 3

   Transfer the bulgur to a food processor with the remaining ingredients except the oil and puree.

4. 4

   If the mixture is too thin, add a little more flour.

5. 5

   Shape into patties about 2-inches long, 1-inch wide, and 1/2-inch thick.

6. 6

   Heat 1/8-inch oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

7. 7

   Fry the patties, turning once, until golden brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.

8. 8

   Serve warm or at room temperature.

9. 9

   HINT; To cook fresh pumpkin, cut it into eighths, place in a large pot of lightly salted water, cover, and simmer over low heat until tender, about 15 minutes.

10. 10

    Drain, cut off the peel, and mash.

11. 11

    Gently press in a strainer to remove the excess liquid.

12. 12

    VARIATIONS: Fritadas de Calabaza (Sephardic Pumpkin Patties): This batter will be looser than the bulgur version, and is dropped from a spoon.

13. 13

    Omit the bulgur, 1/2 cup water, onion, garlic, coriander, pepper, allspice, cumin, and cayenne.

14. 14

    Add 3 large eggs and 2 to 8 tablespoons granulated or brown sugar.

15. 15

    If desired, also add 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground ginger.

16. 16

    Kibbet Yatkeen bi Seniyeh (Syrian Baked Pumpkin Casserole): Spread the pumpkin mixture into an oiled 9-inch-square baking pan.

17. 17

    Cut into diamonds or 1 1/2-inch squares.

18. 18

    Drizzle with 1/4 cup vegetable oil.

19. 19

    Bake in a 400-degree oven until golden brown.