The Story Behind the Dish
Every great recipe has a story, and these Cheesy Potato Balls are a testament to the magic of home cooking. A perfect blend of creamy mashed potatoes, melted cheese, and a rich, velvety sauce, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece that will warm both heart and soul.
Ingredients List
For the Potato Balls
- Potatoes: 500g / 1.1 lbs
- Egg: 1 large (US) / 1 medium (Europe)
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable oil: For frying
- Mozzarella cheese: 100g / 3.5 oz, cut into small cubes
- Hard cheese: 100g / 3.5 oz, grated
For the Vegetable Base
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Sweet red pepper: 1/2, diced
- Carrot: 1 medium, grated
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt: To taste
For the Cream Sauce
- Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Water: 50 ml / 1/4 cup
- Heavy cream (20-30%): 200 ml / 3/4 cup
- Spring onions: For garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Potato Base
- Boil potatoes in salted water until soft
- Drain and mash into a smooth puree
- Let cool slightly
- Add egg, black pepper, paprika, and flour
- Mix until smooth and well combined
- Prepare the Vegetable Base
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet
- Sauté onions for 2 minutes
- Add diced red pepper, cook for 2 minutes
- Add grated carrot, cook for 2 minutes
- Add minced garlic, salt
- Remove from heat and let cool
- Form the Potato Balls
- Mix cooled vegetable base into potato mixture
- Cut mozzarella into small cubes
- Moisten hands with water to prevent sticking
- Take a portion of potato mixture
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center
- Roll into a tight ball
- Frying the Potato Balls
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet
- Fry potato balls over medium heat
- Cook 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown
- Create the Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds
- Add tomato paste, soy sauce, and water
- Pour in heavy cream
- Bring to a boil
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes
- Final Cooking
- Place fried potato balls in the sauce
- Sprinkle with grated hard cheese
- Cover and simmer for 5 minutes
- Transfer to preheated oven at 180°C (356°F)
- Bake for 10 minutes
- Sprinkle with paprika and chopped spring onions
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fat: 22-25g
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Pro Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use starchy potatoes for best mashing
- Moisten hands with water when forming balls
- Choose cheese that melts well
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying
- Let potato mixture rest to improve texture
Delicious Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Skip meat, add more vegetables
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour
- Cheese Variations: Try cheddar or suluguni
- Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes
- Herb Alternatives: Experiment with fresh herbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these potato balls ahead of time? A: Prepare balls in advance, fry just before serving for best texture.
Q2: How do I prevent the balls from falling apart? A: Ensure potato mixture is not too wet. Let it rest and use flour.
Q3: Can I bake instead of fry? A: Possible, but may lack crispy exterior. Bake at 200°C (392°F).
Q4: What can I serve with these potato balls? A: Great with salad, vegetables, or as a main course.
Q5: How do I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat in oven.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for 2-3 days
- Reheating: Best in oven at 180°C (356°F) for 10-15 minutes
- Freezing: Freeze before final baking for up to 1 month
- Prep Ahead: Make potato mixture and form balls in advance
Enjoy your Cheesy Potato Balls – a warm hug on a plate!
