This delicious potato recipe is so scrumptious that it’s become my go-to dish almost every weekend! Combining the comforting texture of mashed potatoes with the rich flavor of tuna and the gooey goodness of mozzarella cheese, these patties are crispy on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside. Perfect for a family lunch or as a hearty snack, these patties are sure to delight anyone who tries them.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 3 potatoes
- 600 ml water
- Salt, to taste
- 1 can of tuna
- 10g parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (plus 1/3 cup for coating)
- Black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of crushed red pepper
- 50g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and dice them into even chunks.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring 600 ml of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add the diced potatoes and cook on medium-high heat for about 15 minutes or until they are tender.
- Drain the water and return the potatoes to the pot.
- Make the Mashed Potato Mixture:
- Mash the cooked potatoes until smooth.
- Open the can of tuna, drain the water, and add the tuna to the mashed potatoes.
- Add chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix well.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until everything is well combined.
- Shape and Bread the Patties:
- Take a small amount of the potato mixture and shape it into small flattened balls.
- Prepare three bowls for the breading process: one with 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs.
- Coat each patty first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with bread crumbs.
- Fry the Patties:
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the pan and fry for about 3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip the patties over and fry for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
- Remove the patties from the pan and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Serve:
- Serve the patties hot for the best flavor. They are crispy on the outside and wonderfully moist and flavorful on the inside.
Why Potato Tuna Patties?
- Versatility: This dish can serve as a main course, a side dish, or even a snack. Whether you’re planning a casual dinner or need something to pack for a picnic, these patties are an excellent choice.
- Nutritional Value: Potatoes are a good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber, especially when the skins are left on. Tuna adds a healthy dose of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making these patties not just tasty but also good for you.
- Customizable: The basic recipe is a great foundation for adding your own twist. You can incorporate different herbs, spices, or even add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the mix to enhance nutritional content and flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors and crispy texture are sure to win over even picky eaters. Kids love dipping them into their favorite sauces!
Detailed Cooking Tips
- Potato Prep: Make sure to dice the potatoes into even chunks to ensure they cook uniformly. This prevents any hard, undercooked pieces in your final patties.
- Mashing Potatoes: For smoother patties, ensure that the potatoes are thoroughly mashed. Any lumps can make the patties fall apart during frying.
- Draining Tuna: To keep the patty mixture from becoming too soggy, thoroughly drain the tuna. Squeezing the excess liquid out through a fine mesh strainer can help achieve the right consistency.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is great for a mild, creamy taste, experimenting with sharper cheeses like aged cheddar can add a depth of flavor. Consider combining cheeses for a more complex profile.
- Breading and Frying: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the patties; this prevents them from absorbing too much oil and becoming greasy. The patties should sizzle as soon as they hit the pan.