Mashed Potato Nuggets

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:

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!