These delicious tuna and potato patties are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with savory flavors. Made with boiled potatoes, canned tuna, and a mix of fresh vegetables and herbs, these patties are a perfect meal or snack. They’re easy to prepare and can be enjoyed with a flavorful sour cream and garlic sauce that adds a creamy and tangy finish. Whether served for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer, these tuna and potato patties will surely become a family favorite!
Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- 5 potatoes
- 2 cans of canned tuna
- Spring onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, grated
- 100 g cheese (cheddar or your choice), grated
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- Some flour, for coating
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (for the sauce)
- Sweet pepper, finely chopped
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Boil the potatoes: Cover the potatoes with water in a pot. Bring the water to a boil, then season with salt and cook until the potatoes are soft. This should take around 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes.
- Prepare the tuna: Open the cans of tuna and drain all excess water. Use a fork to knead the tuna fillets well, ensuring all the water is removed and the tuna is flaked into smaller pieces.
- Prepare the vegetable mix: Finely chop the spring onions, onion, and sweet pepper. Grate the carrot.
- Season the tuna: In a bowl, combine the tuna, chopped spring onions, grated carrot, sweet pepper, dried garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and set aside.
- Prepare the mashed potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the egg mixture (beat the 2 eggs and add salt). Add the butter and mix until smooth.
- Combine the mixtures: Fold the tuna mixture into the mashed potatoes and mix everything well. Add grated cheese to the mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
- Add cornstarch and flour: Add the cornstarch to the mixture for binding, and sprinkle some flour on your hands to shape the patties.
- Fry the patties: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Form the potato and tuna mixture into small patties and coat them lightly with flour. Fry the patties until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Prepare the garlic sauce: While the patties are frying, prepare the garlic sauce by combining 3 tablespoons of sour cream, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, minced garlic, fresh dill, and salt and black pepper in a bowl. Stir well until smooth.
- Serve: Once the patties are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the patties hot, drizzled with the creamy garlic sauce.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
The Origins and Popularity of Tuna Patties
Tuna patties are a simple yet satisfying dish that can be found in many cultures worldwide. The concept of combining canned tuna with vegetables and binding ingredients like potatoes or breadcrumbs is common across various cuisines. Tuna, a readily available and affordable protein, makes this dish accessible and versatile, suitable for a quick lunch, dinner, or snack. The popularity of tuna patties surged in the 20th century as people began to seek easy, budget-friendly meal options. In the United States, they became a popular choice during the Great Depression due to the low cost and easy preparation. Today, tuna patties continue to be loved for their delicious flavor and versatility, and this version with mashed potatoes and cheese adds a unique twist that makes them even more comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender mashed potatoes and savory tuna, with the added richness of cheese and fresh vegetables, makes each bite satisfying. The crispy exterior of the patties contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. The tangy sour cream and garlic sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, making these patties irresistible. Whether you serve them for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, they are easy to make and sure to please everyone.
Health Benefits of this Recipe
This dish provides a great source of protein from the tuna and eggs, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. Potatoes offer a rich source of carbohydrates, providing energy. The addition of vegetables like carrots and onions not only boosts the flavor but also adds fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants to the meal. The cheese contributes calcium for bone health, while the sour cream adds probiotics that support digestion. By using minimal oil for frying, this dish remains relatively healthy while still being satisfying and indulgent.
Serving Suggestions of Tuna and Potato Patties
These tuna and potato patties are delicious on their own, but you can pair them with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Serve them with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a light and nutritious meal. If you prefer something more substantial, try serving them with roasted potatoes or rice. For a fun twist, you can serve the patties in a sandwich or wrap, with some extra sauce or pickles on the side.
Tips
- Make them ahead: You can prepare the patties in advance and store them in the fridge. Just fry them when you’re ready to serve.
- Cheese options: Feel free to swap the cheddar for another cheese like mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan for different flavors.
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can substitute the tuna with cooked lentils or chickpeas.
- Cooking method: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the patties in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes instead of frying them.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Tuna Patties: Add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb and Garlic Patties: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil into the patty mixture for an aromatic flavor boost.
- Mini Patties: Form the mixture into smaller, bite-sized patties for an appetizer or snack.
- Sautéed Veggies: Add more sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, to the tuna and potato mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Conclusion
These tuna and potato patties are a delicious, hearty dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, flavorful interior, they’re sure to be a hit with the whole family. The tangy sour cream and garlic sauce elevates the dish, making it a complete and satisfying meal. Whether served as a main course, appetizer, or snack, these patties are sure to impress.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make these patties ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the patties in advance, store them in the fridge, and fry them when you’re ready to serve. -
Can I freeze these patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until firm, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. Fry them directly from the freezer when ready to serve. -
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna. Just cook it first, flake it, and follow the recipe as instructed. -
Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the patties at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes. You may need to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. -
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! You can add vegetables like corn, peas, or zucchini to the mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.