Looking for a comforting and delicious dish that’s easy to make with simple ingredients? This mashed potato dish will quickly become a family favorite. Combining creamy mashed potatoes with a crispy outer layer, this recipe is perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a main course. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 potatoes (medium to large, peeled)
- 3 glasses of water (600 ml)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (20 ml)
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon of salt (4 g)
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper (4 g)
- A handful of parsley (chopped)
- 120 g of cheddar cheese (grated)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (60 g)
For Coating:
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 100 grams of breadcrumbs
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for deep frying)
Step-by-Step Directions:
1. Boil the Potatoes:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into chunks.
- Place them in a pot, add 3 glasses of water (600 ml), and bring to a boil.
- Cook the potatoes until they are tender and easily mashable (about 15-20 minutes).
- Drain the water and transfer the potatoes to a large bowl.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
- While the potatoes are still hot, mash them until smooth and lump-free.
- Set aside the mashed potatoes to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Onion Mixture:
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden and soft (about 3-4 minutes).
- Once the onion is ready, add it to the mashed potatoes.
4. Season and Add Cheese:
- To the mashed potato mixture, add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and a handful of chopped parsley.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese (120 g), mixing everything together until well combined.
- Sprinkle in 4 tablespoons of flour (60 g) to help bind the mixture.
5. Shape the Potato Balls:
- Take a portion of the potato mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and roll it between your hands to form a smooth ball.
- Repeat until all the mixture is shaped into balls.
6. Coat the Potato Balls:
- Prepare two bowls: one with beaten eggs and the other with breadcrumbs.
- Dip each potato ball into the beaten egg, coating it well.
- Roll the egg-coated potato ball in the breadcrumbs until fully covered.
7. Fry the Potato Balls:
- In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil for frying (enough to submerge the potato balls).
- Once the oil is hot (about 180°C or 350°F), carefully drop the coated potato balls into the oil.
- Fry them in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 3-4 minutes).
- Remove the fried potato balls with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Cooking Tips:
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor.
- Herb Addition: Try adding herbs like chives, oregano, or thyme to the potato mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Baking Option: If you prefer to avoid frying, you can bake the potato balls in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
FAQs:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
- Yes! You can use sweet potatoes for a sweeter version of this recipe. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as sweet potatoes tend to cook faster.
- Can I make these ahead of time?
- Absolutely! You can shape the potato balls and coat them in breadcrumbs ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for longer storage.
- What other fillings can I use besides cheese?
- You can fill the potato balls with cooked minced meat, sautéed mushrooms, or even a mix of vegetables for a more varied flavor.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the uncooked, coated potato balls on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Fry or bake directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion:
This mashed potato recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy insides with a crispy golden exterior. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, these potato balls will be a hit. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but they’re also versatile—feel free to add your favorite fillings or seasonings to make them your own. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying dish that everyone will love! Enjoy!