Indulge in the versatility of the beloved potato with these delectable 5-ingredient potato pillows. Whether crafted from scratch or utilizing leftover mashed potatoes, this recipe guarantees a cozy, cheesy delight. Potatoes, the vegetable for all seasons, take center stage in these fluffy cakes, elevated with a subtle hint of cheese. The beauty lies in the simplicity; only five essential ingredients bring these pillowy wonders to life.
For those embarking on the journey from raw potatoes, simmer them until tender and pass them through a ricer. Introduce the magic of butter, cheese, flour, an egg, and a dash of seasoning to create the perfect potato cake mixture. If working with leftover mashed potatoes, a swift addition of flour, egg, and cheese is all it takes. Just exercise caution in aligning with the initial potato seasoning, making necessary adjustments. Note that preparation should ideally be done just before crafting the cakes to avoid potential dryness or crumbliness.
Potatoes, our perennial companions in various culinary adventures, shine anew in these mashed potato cakes. A symphony of flavors awaits as you savor each pillowy bite, with the option to personalize the experience. Enhance with ham or bacon, infuse smoked paprika or garlic, or play with different cheeses. Experiment with cooking fats like duck fat or schmaltz. Elevate the visual appeal with chives or scallions, making this recipe your own canvas for culinary creativity.
Now, let’s delve into the crafting of these delightful potato pillows.
Ingredients:
Serves : 4 to 6
Makes : 14 cakes
Prep : 20 minutes
Cook : 35 minutes to 40 minutes
- 1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes (approximately 4 medium-sized)
- 1 tablespoon plus 4 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3 ounces cheese (cheddar, Manchego, or Parmesan)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Peel and chop the russet potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Boil until tender with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Grate the cheese and melt the butter. Beat the egg in a small bowl.
- Drain the potatoes and pass them through a ricer or mash until smooth.
- Combine potatoes with cheese, melted butter, beaten egg, flour, remaining salt, and black pepper.
- Form small discs with the mixture, pressing until 1/2-inch thick. Place on a baking sheet.
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan, then cook potato cakes until deep golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer to paper towels, sprinkle lightly with salt, and savor the crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Embrace the simplicity and creativity of these 5-ingredient potato pillows, where each bite encapsulates the comfort of mashed potatoes and the allure of culinary exploration.
image source : the kitchn
