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Fried Stuffed Potato Balls - mashed potato stuffed with seasoned meat and fried to golden perfection

Fried Stuffed Potato Balls (Papas Rellenas)

A mashed potato ball, stuffed with seasoned meat and deep fried to perfection. My version of papas rellenas.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Inactive time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 20
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

For the potatoes:
  • 4 medium-sized potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • Salt to taste
For the meat filling:
  • 8 oz ground chicken or turkey or beef
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1-2 garlic cloves minced (optional, based on original instructions)
  • 1 tablespoon oil
For coating:
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs divided
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour divided
  • 3 eggs
  • Oil for frying

Method
 

Prepare the Potatoes
  1. Wash, peel, and cube the potatoes evenly.
  2. Boil until fork-tender, then mash until smooth.
  3. Mix in milk and salt; the mash should be smooth but stiff.
  4. Let cool, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Cook the Meat Filling
  1. In a pan, heat oil and brown the ground meat.
  2. Add finely chopped onions and garlic (use a processor if needed; drain any liquid).
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Cook thoroughly, then let cool and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Shape the Potato Balls
  1. Line a tray with parchment paper.
  2. Using a cookie scoop, portion out mashed potato.
  3. Make a shallow well in the center and add ~2 tsp meat filling.
  4. Cover the filling with a bit more potato and shape it into a ball.
  5. Release onto tray and repeat with the rest.
Coat the Balls
  1. Beat the eggs in a bowl.
  2. Mix half the flour and half the breadcrumbs in another bowl.
  3. Dip each potato ball in egg, then the flour-crumb mixture.
  4. Repeat: dip again in egg, then coat with plain breadcrumbs.
  5. Place back on the tray.
  6. Use the remaining flour and crumbs as needed.
  7. Chill balls in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Fry the Balls
  1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan.
  2. Fry balls until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
  3. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve hot and enjoy!

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