Turkish-Inspired Stuffed Potato Patties: A Savory Delight

As I stand in my kitchen, the enticing aroma of sautéed meat and spices filling the air, I’m excited to share this delicious recipe for Turkish-inspired Stuffed Potato Patties. This dish, taught by a Turkish chef, is a perfect example of how potatoes can be transformed into an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal that conquers taste buds immediately!

These stuffed potato patties, reminiscent of Turkish street food, combine the comforting texture of mashed potatoes with a savory meat filling. The result is a crispy exterior giving way to a soft, flavorful interior – a true culinary delight that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients

For the potato dough:

• 5 medium potatoes (about 1 lb or 450g)
• 20g (1.5 tablespoons) butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
• 200-220g (1.5 to 1.75 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 30ml (2 tablespoons) vegetable oil

For the filling:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 50g (1/2 cup) green onions, chopped
• 350g (12 oz) minced meat (beef or lamb)
• 1 teaspoon tomato paste
• Salt and spices to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

1. Start by boiling the potatoes in salted water until they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, about 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and salt, then mash everything together until smooth.
3. To the warm mashed potatoes, add the egg, finely chopped parsley, flour, and baking powder. Mix thoroughly to form a dough. If it feels too sticky, gradually add a bit more flour until it reaches a workable consistency.
4. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the filling. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and bell pepper in a bit of oil until they’re soft and translucent.
5. Add the minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook until it’s well browned and any liquid has evaporated.
6. Stir in the chopped green onions, tomato paste, salt, and spices. Let this cook for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
7. On a floured surface, roll out the potato dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Using a large cookie cutter or the rim of a glass, cut the dough into circles about 4 inches in diameter.
8. Place a generous spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle. Then, carefully fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape, pressing the edges firmly to seal.
9. In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place a few patties in the pan, being careful not to overcrowd.
10. Fry the patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
11. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Turkish-inspired stuffed potato patties!

This recipe should yield about 12-15 stuffed potato patties, depending on their size. They’re perfect as a main course, appetizer, or hearty snack. The crispy exterior and flavorful filling make these patties an instant hit, conquering the taste buds of anyone who tries them. Enjoy this delightful taste of Turkish cuisine right in your own kitchen!