Miniature potato cutlets

Miniature Potato Cutlets Recipe from Spain - Ingredients Included

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Miniature potato cutlets are a delicious and unique dish that is inspired by Jewish, Afghanistan cuisine. These small football-shaped cutlets are made with potatoes, eggs, matzoh meal, and spices, and are fried until crispy and golden brown. They make a great appetizer or side dish for any meal.

History

Potato cutlets have been a popular dish in Jewish cuisine for centuries. They are often served during Passover when bread is not allowed, making them a versatile and filling dish for the holiday. The addition of cumin seed gives these cutlets a unique flavor that sets them apart from other potato dishes.

Ingredients

1 sephardic cooking, mark
6 lb (2.72 kg) of potatoes
2 eggs
1 cup of fine matzoh meal
1 tsp of salt (or to taste)
0.25 tsp of pepper
0.5 tsp of ground cumin seed
0.5 cup of corn oil

How to prepare

This recipe is a Jewish, Afghanistan-inspired dish.
Start by covering the potatoes with water in a pan and cook them, covered, until they are tender.
Once cooked, let them cool and then peel them.
Puree the potatoes in a processor.
Add the bitten eggs, matzoh meal, salt, pepper, and cumin seed to the pureed potatoes and mix well.
Shape the mixture into small, football-shaped cutlets that are 1" long and 0.5" wide. Heat the oil in a skillet and brown the cutlets, a few at a time, over moderate heat.
Once browned, drain them on paper towels. Serve them warm.
This recipe serves a good number of people. Potatoes are often used as a filler during Passover when bread is not allowed. These small 'footballs' made of simple but satisfying ingredients can be served during a meal, or as appetizers with drinks.

Variations

Add chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill, to the potato mixture for added flavor.
Use different spices, such as paprika or garlic powder, to change the flavor profile of the cutlets.
Add grated cheese to the potato mixture for a cheesy twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are tender before pureeing them. This will ensure that the cutlets have a smooth texture.

- When shaping the cutlets, wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking to your hands.

- Fry the cutlets in batches to ensure that they cook evenly and become crispy on the outside.

Serving Suggestions

Miniature potato cutlets can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, or as a side dish with a main course. They pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, salads, and soups.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the cutlets in oil gives them a crispy exterior and a tender interior. Be sure to fry them in batches and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have matzoh meal, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. You can also use olive oil or vegetable oil in place of corn oil for frying.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potato mixture ahead of time and shape the cutlets, then fry them just before serving. Leftover cutlets can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the miniature potato cutlets on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce. You can also serve them in individual serving dishes for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Miniature potato cutlets pair well with a variety of dishes, including grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and green salads. They also go well with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover miniature potato cutlets can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of miniature potato cutlets contains approximately 200 calories. This makes them a relatively low-calorie dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced meal.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of miniature potato cutlets contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide a steady source of energy.

Fats

Each serving of miniature potato cutlets contains approximately 10 grams of fat. The majority of the fat comes from the oil used for frying the cutlets.

Proteins

Each serving of miniature potato cutlets contains approximately 4 grams of protein. Eggs are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and matzoh meal, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Miniature potato cutlets are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates. They are a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for miniature potato cutlets. It was many years ago, back in my youth, when I was just starting to learn how to cook. I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and I was eager to expand my culinary skills.

One day, I was visiting a dear friend of mine, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known for her delicious homemade dishes. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping tea and chatting about life, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly pulled out a worn and tattered recipe book from her cupboard. She flipped through the pages with a nostalgic smile on her face, and then she paused on a page that caught my eye.

"These miniature potato cutlets are a family favorite," Mrs. Jenkins said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Would you like to learn how to make them?"

I eagerly nodded my head, and Mrs. Jenkins began to walk me through the recipe. She explained how the cutlets were made with mashed potatoes, seasoned with herbs and spices, and then fried until golden brown and crispy. The thought of those savory little morsels made my mouth water, and I couldn't wait to give them a try.

Mrs. Jenkins patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, showing me how to shape the cutlets into perfect little rounds and fry them to perfection. As I watched her work her magic in the kitchen, I felt a sense of awe and wonder at the skill and precision she displayed.

After the cutlets were finished cooking, Mrs. Jenkins placed them on a platter and sprinkled them with a generous dusting of fresh herbs. The aroma that wafted from the dish was simply divine, and I couldn't wait to taste the fruits of my labor.

I tentatively took a bite of the miniature potato cutlet, savoring the crispy exterior and the soft, fluffy interior. The flavors exploded in my mouth, a delightful combination of savory and herbaceous notes that left me wanting more.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I made miniature potato cutlets for every special occasion, impressing my friends and family with my newfound culinary skills. I experimented with different herbs and spices, tweaking the recipe to suit my own tastes and preferences.

Over the years, I continued to refine my technique, perfecting the art of making miniature potato cutlets. I shared the recipe with countless people, passing on the knowledge and wisdom that Mrs. Jenkins had bestowed upon me.

To this day, whenever I make miniature potato cutlets, I think back to that fateful day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen. I am filled with gratitude for her generosity and kindness in sharing her recipe with me, and I am reminded of the joy and satisfaction that cooking brings into my life.

And so, I continue to cook and create, drawing inspiration from the recipes and techniques I have learned over the years. I am forever grateful for the experiences and memories that have shaped me into the cook that I am today. And I will always hold a special place in my heart for those miniature potato cutlets, a dish that has become a beloved tradition in my family for generations to come.