As one might guess, Film Movement, a company dedicated to distributing the best award-winning films from the world’s top film festivals, loves learning about different cultures. But that doesn’t mean only movies…

Each month, Film Movement releases a new film on DVD to its club members to own, and pairs it with a special delicious recipe via a monthly newsletter.

January’s recipe of Algerian Spiced Potato Cakes goes with that month’s film selection of  Free Men directed by Ismaël Ferroukhi. It’s  from “North African Cooking : Exotic Delights from Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt” by Hilaire Walden,

In German-occupied Paris, a young unemployed Algerian named Younes (played by break-out star, Tahar Rahim  earns his living as a black marketeer. Arrested by the French police but given a chance to avoid jail, Younes agrees to spy on the Paris Mosque. The police suspect the Mosque authorities, including its rector Ben Ghabrit, of aiding Muslim Resistance agents and helping North African Jews by giving them false certificates. At the Mosque, Younes meets the Algerian singer Salim Halali, and is moved by Salim’s beautiful voice and strong personality. When Younes discovers that Salim is Jewish, he stops collaborating with the police and gradually transforms from a politically ignorant immigrant into a fully-fledged freedom fighter.

“[Tahar Rahim] has an undeniable screen presence that recalls a young Robert DeNiro [and] Lonsadale is, like always, a pleasure to watch.” – Jordan Mintzner, The Hollywood Reporter

“An eye-opener! An absorbing drama… that engages both the heart and the mind.” – Allan Hunter, Screen Daily

Algerian Spiced Potato Cakes

2 lbs mashed potatoes
3 medium eggs
1 bunch cilantro, rinsed and chopped
1 T paprika
2 t ground cumin
Pinch cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

In a large bowl mix potatoes, eggs, cilantro and seasonings. Form mixture into patties. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

Heat a shallow layer of oil in a frying pan, add the cakes in batches and fry until crisp and brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels and serve.

Makes 4 servings

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