Potato Cakes

Potato Cakes Recipe from Ghana and Italy | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Ghana, Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Potato cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or main course. These crispy patties are made with mashed potatoes and a variety of seasonings, making them a flavorful addition to any meal.

History

Potato cakes have been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in many different cultures around the world. They are often made with leftover mashed potatoes, making them a thrifty and delicious way to use up leftovers.

Ingredients

4 cups of warm and plain mashed potatoes
3 garlic cloves, mashed or pressed
0.5 cup of scallions, cut lengthwise and thinly sliced
0.5 cup of fresh flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 – 2 tsp of salt
1 tsp of fresh ground black pepper
flour, for dusting
oil, for shallow frying

How to prepare

In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients except for the flour and oil.
Using 0.25 cup of the mixture, form 16 patties that are approximately 0.33 inch thick.
If necessary, use floured hands to prevent sticking.
Coat each patty with flour, removing any excess.
In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium to medium-high heat.
Shallow fry the patties until they turn a deep golden brown.
If needed, you can refrigerate the floured patties for up to an hour before cooking.

Variations

Add grated cheese to the potato mixture for a cheesy twist.
Mix in cooked bacon or ham for a savory addition.
Add chopped herbs like chives or dill for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your mashed potatoes are warm when making the patties, as this will help them hold together better.

- Use a non-stick pan for frying the potato cakes to ensure they don't stick to the pan.

- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the patties, as this can cause them to steam instead of getting crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve potato cakes with a dollop of sour cream or applesauce for a delicious and creamy accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Shallow frying is the best technique for cooking potato cakes, as it gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use leftover mashed sweet potatoes or cauliflower instead of regular mashed potatoes.

- Use gluten-free flour for dusting if you have a gluten intolerance.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potato cakes ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before frying.

Presentation Ideas

Serve potato cakes on a platter with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Potato cakes pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of potato cakes contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of potato cakes contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of potato cakes contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of potato cakes contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Potato cakes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin B6.

Alergens

Potato cakes may contain gluten if flour is used for dusting.

Summary

Potato cakes are a tasty and satisfying dish that is relatively low in calories and high in carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

Summary

Potato cakes are a delicious and versatile dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds. Enjoy these crispy patties as a side or main course for a tasty and comforting meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a sunny day in late spring, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, plant her garden. As a thank you for my help, she invited me in for a cup of tea.

As we sat at her kitchen table, sipping our tea and chatting, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly got up and disappeared into the pantry. She returned with a tattered old recipe book and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"I have a feeling you might like this recipe, dear," she said, flipping through the pages until she found what she was looking for. "Potato Cakes. A family favorite."

I watched as she gathered the ingredients and began to prepare the dish. The aroma of garlic and onions filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Mrs. Jenkins was a master in the kitchen, and I was eager to learn from her.

As she mixed the ingredients together and shaped the potato cakes, she told me the story behind the recipe. It had been passed down through her family for generations, with each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I listened intently, taking mental notes of each step and ingredient. Mrs. Jenkins was a patient teacher, guiding me through the process with ease and expertise. By the time the potato cakes were ready to be fried, I felt confident that I could recreate the dish on my own.

The first bite of the potato cakes was like a revelation. Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, they were a perfect balance of texture and taste. Mrs. Jenkins smiled as she watched me savoring the dish, knowing that she had passed on a cherished family recipe to me.

From that day on, Potato Cakes became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on lazy Sunday afternoons. Each time I cooked them, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and the gift she had given me that day.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own touches to make it uniquely mine. I experimented with different seasonings, tried different cooking methods, and even added some unexpected ingredients to the mix.

But no matter how many variations I tried, the memory of that first time making Potato Cakes with Mrs. Jenkins always remained close to my heart. It was a moment of connection and sharing, of passing on tradition and knowledge from one generation to the next.

As I sit here now, flipping through the pages of my own tattered recipe book, I can't help but smile at the memory of that sunny spring day with Mrs. Jenkins. The recipe for Potato Cakes may have come from her family, but it has found a home in mine, a link that connects us across time and space.

And as I prepare to make a batch of Potato Cakes for dinner tonight, I know that Mrs. Jenkins is with me in spirit, guiding my hands and tasting each bite with me. The love and care that went into crafting this recipe shines through in every bite, a testament to the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.