This budget-friendly and meat-free rösti with creamy smashed peas and poached eggs is the nutritious weeknight meal you’ve been searching for.

SERVES 4 // COOKING TIME 40 min

INGREDIENTS
For the rösti
450 g potatoes, parboiled
½ cup peeled and chopped onion
1 egg, beaten
½ tsp salt
½ cup vegetable oil
For the smashed peas
2 tbsp butter
2 leeks, chopped
3 cups fresh peas
½ cup cream
Basil, to garnish
2 eggs, poached

METHOD
For the rösti
1. Peel and coarsely grate the potatoes. Soak in a bowl of cold water for 2 minutes, then drain.
2. Spread out the grated potato and chopped onion on paper towel and pat dry.
3. Place the potato and onion in a bowl. Mix in the egg and salt.
4. Heat the oil in a pan.
5. Using ¼ cup potato mixture at a time, form 10 cm rounds (a good rösti  must be thin).
6. Fry the rösti  for 5 minutes per side, until crisp and golden.
For the smashed peas
1. Heat the butter in a pan and fry the leeks until soft. Season.
2. Add the peas and cream and blend until chunky.
3. Top the rösti with smashed peas, basil and poached eggs.

Recipe & styling: Chiara Turilli
Photography: Andreas Eiselen // HMimages.co.za

Do you know what else rösti pairs perfectly with? Yoghurt and creamy tuna! Get the recipe for our sweet potato rösti here.