Imagine coming home after a long day and needing to whip up something quick, delicious, and satisfying with minimal ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those moments. With just two potatoes and one egg, you can create a delightful dish that is not only easy to prepare but also budget-friendly. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed as a snack, side dish, or even a light meal. Let’s dive into this quick and easy potato recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 potatoes (500 grams)
- 2 pinches of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Breadcrumbs
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Start by peeling the potatoes and grating them. Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure that your mixture is not too wet and the patties hold together well during cooking.
- Finely chop the parsley and basil.
- Mixing the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes with two pinches of salt, one teaspoon of paprika, and a generous amount of black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Add the chopped parsley and basil to the potato mixture. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and a touch of freshness to the dish.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg and then add it to the potato mixture along with the Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Sprinkle in the cornstarch and mix thoroughly. The cornstarch helps to bind the mixture together, giving the patties a nice, firm texture.
- Forming the Patties:
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into patties. If the mixture is too sticky, you can wet your hands slightly to make shaping easier.
- Coat each patty lightly with breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will give the patties a deliciously crispy exterior when fried.
- Frying:
- Heat a generous amount of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small piece of the mixture sizzles when added to the pan.
- Carefully place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Once cooked, transfer the patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serving:
- Arrange the patties on a serving plate and garnish with a few sprigs of fresh parsley or basil for a touch of color.
- These potato patties can be served hot with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce. They also pair well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips
- Draining the Potatoes: It is essential to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated potatoes to ensure that the patties hold together during cooking. If the mixture is too wet, the patties may fall apart in the skillet.
- Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can add other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs add a lot of flavor to the patties. If you don’t have fresh parsley or basil, you can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Crispy Exterior: To achieve a perfectly crispy exterior, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the patties to the skillet. Fry them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy patties.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. They are also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you full longer.
- Eggs: Eggs provide high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and basil not only add flavor but also contain antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that promote health.
- Cornstarch and Parmesan: Cornstarch helps to bind the patties, and Parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor along with a good source of calcium and protein.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
- Versatility: These potato patties can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a great snack, side dish, or even a light meal. You can also customize the recipe by adding different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Using inexpensive and readily available ingredients, this recipe is cost-effective and a great way to use up potatoes and eggs you might already have on hand.
- Flavorful: Despite its simplicity, this dish is packed with flavor. The combination of potatoes, herbs, and spices creates a delicious and satisfying meal that will have you making it again and again.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal as a coating for the patties.
- Vegetarian: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any meat or fish.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you need a dairy-free version, you can omit the Parmesan cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Why This Recipe Works
- Binding Ingredients: The egg and cornstarch act as binding agents, ensuring that the patties hold together well during frying. The breadcrumbs provide a crispy coating that contrasts nicely with the tender interior.
- Flavor Combination: The combination of potatoes, herbs, and spices creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and delicious.
- Texture: The grated potatoes give the patties a nice texture, while the cornstarch and breadcrumbs ensure they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Conclusion
This quick and easy potato recipe is a fantastic way to turn simple ingredients into a delicious and satisfying dish. With minimal preparation and cooking time, you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly dinner option or a tasty snack, these potato patties are sure to hit the spot.
Not only are they delicious, but they also offer nutritional benefits from the potatoes, eggs, and herbs. The versatility of this recipe means you can enjoy it in various ways and customize it to your liking. Plus, it’s a great way to use up ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Next time you find yourself with a couple of potatoes and an egg, give this recipe a try. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so flavorful and satisfying. Happy cooking!