If you’re looking to take your potato dishes to the next level, this recipe introduces a fun and inventive way to enjoy potatoes with a unique flavor. Using a simple trick with an empty bottle, you can create perfectly shaped, crispy potato balls that are sure to impress. This recipe combines traditional comfort with an exciting new technique. Plus, it’s paired with a vibrant and fresh salad that complements the rich and savory flavors of the potato balls.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Potato Balls:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, roughly chopped
• Salt, to taste
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• 50 g (3.5 tablespoons) butter, melted
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 chili pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon teriyaki sauce
• 1 tablespoon 9% vinegar (or white vinegar)
• 100 ml (3.4 fl oz) soy sauce

For the Salad:

• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 250 g (8.8 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 100 g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 150 g (5.3 oz) olives
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

1. Cook the Potatoes:
   • Place the roughly chopped potatoes into a large pot. Cover with water and add a pinch of salt.
   • Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
   • Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot or place them in a large mixing bowl.
   • Mash the potatoes until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Incorporate Cornstarch:
   • Add 4 tablespoons of cornstarch to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until the cornstarch is fully incorporated.
4. Form the Potato Balls:
   • Shape the mashed potato mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.

Step 2: Shape the Potato Balls

1. Create Indentations:
   • Using an empty plastic bottle, gently press into the center of each potato ball to create a small indentation. This trick helps in achieving a more uniform shape and allows for better cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

1. Cook the Aromatics:
   • In a skillet, melt 50 g of butter with a splash of vegetable oil over medium heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Chili:
   • Stir in the minced garlic and chopped chili pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Mix the Sauce:
   • Add 1 tablespoon of teriyaki sauce, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and 100 ml of soy sauce. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 4: Fry the Potato Balls

1. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Fry the Potato Balls:
   • Place the potato balls in the hot oil. Fry for 5 minutes or until they are golden brown on one side.
3. Turn and Cook:
   • Turn the potato balls over and cook for another 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
4. Coat in Sauce:
   • Once fried, toss the potato balls in the prepared sauce to coat them evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Salad

1. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, feta cheese, and olives.
2. Season and Dress:
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Serve the crispy potato balls hot, with a side of the fresh salad.
2. Garnish:
   • Garnish with extra feta cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips for Success

• Uniform Size: Make sure the potato balls are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot before frying to achieve a crispy exterior. Test with a small piece of potato mixture to check if the oil is ready.
• Serving: These potato balls are best served hot and fresh, but they can be kept warm in an oven on low heat if needed.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover potato balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Possible Questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   • Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Cheddar or Gouda would work well as alternatives to feta.
2. What if I don’t have a plastic bottle?
   • If you don’t have a plastic bottle, you can use your fingers or the back of a spoon to create indentations in the potato balls.
3. Can I make the potato balls ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the potato balls in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

This creative twist on traditional fried potatoes introduces a fun new method with the use of an empty bottle to shape your potato balls. Paired with a savory sauce and a refreshing salad, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress everyone at the table. Whether for a family meal or a special occasion, these crispy potato balls are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the delightful crunch and the burst of flavors in every bite!