Ingredients:

For the Potato Balls:

• 250g (1 medium) potato, peeled
• 20ml water (for boiling the potato)
• 15g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 pinches of salt
• 10g (1 tbsp) sugar
• 80g (8 tbsp) glutinous rice flour
• Additional water, as needed for kneading
• Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 16g (2 tbsp) soy sauce
• 35g (3.5 tbsp) honey (or 30g (3 tbsp) sugar)
• 10g (1 tbsp) starch powder (any type)
• 24g (3 tbsp) cooking wine (can use water or mirin instead)
• 120ml water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Potato:
   • Start by peeling the potato and cutting it into small chunks. Place the potato chunks in a pot with 20ml of water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potato is tender and easily mashable, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the potato and mash it until smooth.
2. Make the Potato Mixture:
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed potato with the unsalted butter, salt, and sugar. Mix until well incorporated. Gradually add the glutinous rice flour to the potato mixture, kneading with your hands until a dough forms. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water as needed to achieve a soft, pliable consistency.
3. Form the Potato Balls:
   • Take small portions of the dough and flatten them slightly in your hand. If using mozzarella cheese, place a small cube of cheese in the center of each flattened dough portion, then fold the edges over to seal the cheese inside. Roll the dough into small balls and set aside.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, honey (or sugar), starch powder, cooking wine (or water/mirin), and water. Stir well to dissolve the starch powder. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
5. Fry the Potato Balls:
   • Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potato balls in batches, frying until they are golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the potato balls from the oil and drain them on a paper towel.
6. Serve:
   • Arrange the crispy potato balls on a serving plate. Drizzle the sweet honey sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.

Possible Questions:

• Can I use a different type of cheese?
  • Yes, you can use any type of cheese you like. Cheddar, gouda, or any other melting cheese can be used as an alternative to mozzarella.
• Can I make these potato cheese balls ahead of time?
  • Yes, you can prepare the potato balls ahead of time. Shape and freeze them before frying. When ready to serve, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• What can I use instead of glutinous rice flour?
  • If you don’t have glutinous rice flour, you can substitute it with regular all-purpose flour, though the texture may be slightly different.

Tips:

• Ensure the Oil is Hot: Make sure the oil is properly heated before adding the potato balls to ensure they become crispy and golden brown. If the oil is not hot enough, the balls may become greasy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the potato balls in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures that each ball has enough space to cook evenly and become crispy.
• Adjust Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey or sugar in the sauce to your taste preference. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the potato balls before frying. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Fry directly from frozen, adding extra time to ensure they are cooked through.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Sugar: 10g

Conclusion:

These Crispy, Chewy, Sweet Honey Cheese Potatoes, or Potato Cheese Balls, offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal or snack time. With a crispy exterior, a chewy interior, and a touch of sweetness from the honey sauce, these potato balls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Easy to prepare and versatile, they make a fantastic addition to any party spread or as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe, and relish in the satisfying crunch and sweet, cheesy goodness!