Ingredients:

For the Potato Mixture:

• 2 boiled potatoes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
• 2 tbsp chopped coriander (or parsley)
• Mozzarella cheese (cubes or slices)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For Coating:

• 1 cup bread crumbs
• Flour slurry (made by mixing flour with water to form a thin batter)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Potato Mixture:

• Begin by boiling 2 medium-sized potatoes until soft. Once boiled, drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool slightly before peeling off the skin.
• In a mixing bowl, mash the boiled potatoes until smooth. You can use a potato masher or a fork to ensure there are no lumps.
• Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp chili flakes, 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 2 tbsp of chopped fresh coriander (or parsley), and 1/2 tsp garlic powder to the mashed potatoes. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
• Once the potato mixture is well-seasoned, set it aside.

2. Forming the Potato Bites:

• Take a small portion of the mashed potato mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand.
• Place a small cube or slice of mozzarella cheese in the center of the potato mixture. You can adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference, but make sure there is enough to create a gooey cheese center.
• Carefully fold the edges of the potato mixture around the cheese, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed in the potato. Roll the mixture into a small ball or shape it into a patty.
• Repeat this process with the remaining potato mixture and cheese, forming multiple potato bites.

3. Coating the Potato Bites:

• Prepare a flour slurry by mixing flour with water until you achieve a thin, smooth batter. This will act as the binding agent for the bread crumbs.
• In a separate dish, place 1 cup of bread crumbs.
• Dip each potato bite into the flour slurry, ensuring it is evenly coated. Allow any excess slurry to drip off before rolling the bite in the bread crumbs. Make sure the entire surface is covered with bread crumbs for an extra crispy texture.
• Repeat the coating process for all the potato bites.

4. Frying the Potato Bites:

• Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a pot over medium heat. Ensure there is enough oil to submerge the potato bites completely for even frying.
• Once the oil is hot, gently place the coated potato bites into the oil, a few at a time. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Fry the potato bites for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried potato bites from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Cooking Tips:

• Cheese Choices: While mozzarella is ideal for its stretchy, melty texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or gouda for different flavor profiles.
• Baking Option: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the potato bites. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake the coated bites on a lined baking tray for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and flour for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spice It Up: For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy cheese varieties.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate):

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Sugars: 2g

FAQs:

1. Can I prepare these in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the potato bites in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. If freezing, you can freeze the formed and coated potato bites (before frying) for up to a month. Fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
2. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
   • Absolutely! Sweet potatoes will give a slightly different, sweeter flavor, but they pair beautifully with the cheese filling.
3. How do I keep the potato bites crispy for longer?
   • To maintain their crispiness, make sure to fry the bites at the right temperature (around 350°F or 175°C). If the oil is too cold, the bites will absorb excess oil and become soggy. You can also place them on a wire rack after frying to avoid sogginess from excess oil.
4. What other fillings can I use?
   • Aside from cheese, you can add cooked minced meat, seasoned vegetables, or even diced ham for extra flavor. The possibilities are endless!
5. What can I serve these with?
   • Crispy Cheesy Potato Bites are perfect with dipping sauces such as ketchup, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even spicy sriracha mayo.

Conclusion: Crispy Cheesy Potato Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy and gooey, making them a hit for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or party food, these bites are easy to make and deliciously satisfying. With a crispy golden exterior and a cheesy, flavorful center, they offer a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Enjoy them fresh out of the fryer, paired with your favorite dipping sauces. Happy cooking and enjoy the cheesy goodness!