Crispy Potato Balls with Fresh Mediterranean Salad is a delightful and balanced meal perfect for any occasion. The potato balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, infused with flavors from a savory sauce. Paired with a vibrant Mediterranean salad, this dish offers a satisfying blend of textures and tastes.
Total Preparation Time: 45-50 minutes
Ingredients for Potato Balls:
- 1 kg potatoes, roughly chopped
- Salt, to taste
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 50 g butter
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 chili pepper, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon 9% vinegar
- 100 ml soy sauce
Ingredients for Salad:
- 2 cucumbers, sliced
- 250 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 150 g olives
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for dressing
Directions:
1. Cook and Prepare Potatoes:
Boil the roughly chopped potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash thoroughly. Mix the mashed potatoes with cornstarch until well combined. Season with a little salt.
2. Form Potato Balls:
Once the potato mixture is cool enough to handle, form it into balls. Using the bottom of an empty plastic bottle, make indentations in each ball to create a unique shape.
3. Prepare the Frying Mixture:
In a frying pan, melt butter with a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and chili pepper, cooking for another 1-2 minutes. Stir in teriyaki sauce, vinegar, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Fry Potato Balls:
Place the potato balls into the frying pan with the sauce. Fry for 5 minutes on one side, then turn over and cook for another 5 minutes until all sides are golden and crispy.
5. Prepare the Salad:
In a salad bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, chopped red pepper, feta cheese, and olives. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together.
6. Serve:
Arrange the crispy potato balls on a plate and serve alongside the fresh salad.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
- Enjoy with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the potatoes are not fully cooked during boiling to prevent them from becoming too soft during baking.
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin potato slices.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Tuna is a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Potatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium.
- This dish offers a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
Dietary Information:
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
- To make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy milk alternative and dairy-free cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- The combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory layers is irresistible.
- Perfect for meal prep, as leftovers can be easily reheated.
Conclusion:
Enjoy your homemade Ultimate Cheesy Tuna and Potato Casserole as a delicious and comforting meal. With its creamy layers and savory flavors, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Serve it warm and enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes. Happy cooking!