Leek and Meat Patties

Ingredients

 * 2 large bunches fresh leeks, (about 8 medium size)
 * 1 lbs lean ground beef
 * 2 large eggs, beaten
 * ¼ cup matzo meal or matzo cake meal
 * 1 tsp salt
 * ¼ tsp ground black pepper

For frying

 * ½ cup matzo cake meal, for coating
 * vegetable oil
 * 3 to 4 large eggs, beaten

Directions

 * 1) To clean the leeks, cut off and discard the roots and all but 1 to 2 inches of the green tops.
 * 2) Slice the leeks in half lengthwise and rinse them very well under cool running water to remove any grit.
 * 3) Coarsely chop the leeks and put them in a saucepan with water to cover.
 * 4) Simmer them, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are very tender.
 * 5) Drain the leeks well; then cool them until they can be handled.
 * 6) Use your hands to squeeze out all the excess liquid.
 * 7) Grind the leeks in a meat grinder (or very coarsely puree them with a food processor).
 * 8) In a medium-size bowl, combine the leeks with the ground beef, eggs, ¼ cup matzo meal, salt, and pepper.
 * 9) Use your hands or a fork to blend them well. The mixture should be soft, but firm enough to be molded into patties. Add more matzo meal, if necessary.
 * 10) Form the leek-meat mixture into small patties about 2 inches wide and ½-inch thick, coating each with cake meal to make it easier to shape.
 * 11) In a large skillet, over medium heat, heat oil that is about ¼-inch deep until it is hot but not smoking.
 * 12) Dip each patty into the beaten egg to coat it and drain off the excess; then immediately set it in the hot oil.
 * 13) Fry the patties until they are golden brown on both sides.