Papas rellenas

papas_rellenas

Cuban cuisine is famous for its rich and diverse flavors, and one dish that perfectly encapsulates this is the delicious Papas Rellenas. This savory snack is made by rolling seasoned mashed potatoes around a delicious filling of ground beef, onions, peppers, and spices that are then shaped into balls, breaded, and deep-fried to a golden brown.

Papas Rellenas is a popular snack in Cuba, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a delicious blend of flavorful ingredients, with a crispy outer coating and a soft, savory inner filling. The dish is often served as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal.

The origins of Papas Rellenas can be traced back to Spain, where they are known as Croquetas de Papa. The dish was introduced to Cuba during the colonial period and has since become a staple in Cuban cuisine. Over the years, the recipe has undergone some modifications and adaptations, leading to the uniquely Cuban version that we will be exploring in this recipe.

Today, Papas Rellenas are a popular street food in Cuba, where vendors sell these golden, crispy balls from their food carts. They are also commonly found at family gatherings, picnics, and parties. And while it may seem like a difficult dish to make, it is actually quite simple and straightforward.

To make Papas Rellenas, you will need a few basic ingredients, including potatoes, ground beef, onions, garlic, bell peppers, cumin, oregano, black pepper, eggs, breadcrumbs, and oil for frying. The first step is to make the mashed potatoes, which are then seasoned with salt and black pepper. While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the filling by cooking the ground beef with onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a skillet over medium heat. Add in the cumin, oregano, and black pepper to create a flavorful and aromatic blend.

Once the mashed potatoes and beef filling are prepared, it’s time to shape the Papas Rellenas. Spoon a generous amount of mashed potatoes onto your palm and flatten it to make a small, hollow indentation in the center. Spoon a tablespoon of the beef mixture into the indentation and then shape the potato around the filling into a ball. Repeat this process until all the potato and beef mixture is used up.

Next, dip the potato balls into beaten egg and roll them in breadcrumbs, making sure each one is well-coated. Heat oil in a frying pan until hot, and then fry the Papas Rellenas a few at a time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Finally, serve your delicious and crispy Papas Rellenas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as a spicy tomato salsa or a garlic-infused aioli. This recipe is sure to impress your friends and family and transport them straight to the streets of Havana.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds potatoes
  • 1/2 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 beaten eggs
  • Bread crumbs
  • Oil for frying

Directions:

  1. Peel and boil the potatoes until soft. Mash them in a bowl and set aside.

  2. In a skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper over medium heat until the beef is browned and the vegetables are tender.

  3. Add the beef mixture to the mashed potatoes and stir to combine.

  4. Take a tablespoonful of the mixture and form it into a ball. Flatten the ball with your hands to create a disc shape.

  5. Dip the disc into the beaten eggs, then coat it in breadcrumbs. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

  6. In a frying pan, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat. Fry the papas rellenas until golden brown on both sides.

  7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot. Enjoy!