These stuffed potato patties are a hearty and delicious meal, perfect for a cozy family dinner. Filled with savory minced meat and served with a rich creamy mushroom sauce, these patties are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The combination of mashed potatoes, seasoned meat, and creamy sauce makes this dish a complete meal that is both satisfying and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a festive occasion or simply looking for a comforting dinner, this recipe will be a hit with everyone at the table.

Let’s dive into the detailed steps to create these stuffed potato patties with a decadent mushroom sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Potato Patties:

• 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz) potatoes
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 350g minced meat (beef, pork, or a mix)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 egg
• 2-4 tablespoons flour (plus extra for coating)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:

• 1 onion (chopped)
• 10-12 mushrooms (sliced)
• Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 200 ml cream (10-15% fat)
• 50 ml water
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Steps to Make It:

1. Prepare the Potatoes:
   • Start by peeling and cutting the potatoes into chunks. Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook the potatoes until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
   • Once the potatoes are done, drain the water and mash them until smooth. Set the mashed potatoes aside and let them cool to room temperature.
2. Prepare the Minced Meat Filling:
   • While the potatoes are cooling, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 minutes until soft and translucent.
   • Add the minced meat to the pan, season with salt and black pepper, and cook for 7-10 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the meat is fully cooked. Once done, transfer the meat to a plate and allow it to cool.
3. Prepare the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:
   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the chopped onion for 2 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Fry the mushrooms over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   • Sprinkle the mushrooms with 1 tablespoon of flour, stirring to combine. Gradually pour in the cream and water, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   • Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley for added freshness.
4. Form the Potato Patties:
   • Once the mashed potatoes have cooled, mix in 1 beaten egg and 2-4 tablespoons of flour. Stir until the mixture is smooth and thick enough to hold its shape. You can adjust the amount of flour if needed.
   • With wet hands, take a small portion of the potato mixture and flatten it in your palm to form a disc. Place a spoonful of the cooled minced meat filling in the center, then fold the potato mixture around the filling, sealing the edges to form a patty. Repeat with the remaining potato and meat mixtures.
5. Coat and Fry the Patties:
   • Lightly coat each patty in flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the patties in batches, cooking 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 absorb excess oil.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the stuffed potato patties hot, topped with the creamy mushroom sauce. You can also garnish with extra parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
   • Enjoy your meal with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner experience.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Vitamin A: 300 IU
• Vitamin C: 20mg
• Calcium: 50mg
• Iron: 3mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, you can use sweet potatoes for a slightly different flavor profile. Just be aware that sweet potatoes may require less flour to hold their shape, as they tend to be softer when mashed.
2. Can I make these patties ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked patties and fry them directly from frozen when needed.
3. What kind of meat can I use for the filling? You can use any type of minced meat, such as beef, pork, chicken, or a combination. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with cooked lentils or mushrooms.
4. Can I bake the patties instead of frying them? Yes, for a healthier version, you can bake the patties in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.

Tips for Making the Best Potato Patties:

1. Cool the Potatoes Before Adding the Egg:
   • Make sure the mashed potatoes are completely cool before adding the egg to avoid scrambling it in the mixture. Cooling also helps the patties hold their shape better.
2. Avoid Overloading the Filling:
   • Be careful not to overfill the patties with the meat mixture, as this can cause them to break apart during frying. A spoonful of filling per patty is enough for the perfect balance.
3. Use a Non-Stick Pan:
   • For easier frying and to prevent the patties from sticking, use a non-stick frying pan and ensure the oil is hot before adding the patties.
4. Add Extra Flavor to the Filling:
   • For more flavor, you can add garlic, paprika, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to the minced meat filling. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration:
  Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or the oven to maintain their crispy texture.
• Freezing:
  To freeze, arrange the uncooked patties on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Potato Patties with Minced Meat and Creamy Mushroom Sauce are a comforting, satisfying meal that combines crispy potato patties with a flavorful meat filling. The rich mushroom sauce adds depth and enhances the overall dish. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even as a meal-prep option. With its crispy exterior and tender filling, these potato patties are sure to become a favorite. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different fillings and sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Enjoy this hearty, delicious dish with your loved ones and savor every bite!