Potato Turnovers

Tunisian Potato Turnovers Recipe - Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Tunisia | Preparation time: 45 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 14 turnovers |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Potato turnovers are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. These crispy and flavorful turnovers are filled with a savory potato mixture and fried to perfection. They are perfect for a quick and easy meal that is sure to please the whole family.

History

Potato turnovers have a long history and are a popular dish in many cultures around the world. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East and have since spread to other parts of the world. The filling for potato turnovers can vary depending on the region, with some recipes including meat, vegetables, or cheese. In some cultures, potato turnovers are a traditional dish served during holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

2.5 lb (1.13 kg) russet potatoes, scrubbed and quartered
1 tsp salt
0.25 cup olive oil
0.5 small onion, finely diced
2 tbsp capers, drained
10 green or black olives, pitted and chopped
10 fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes
0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
14 7-inch square Chinese egg roll skins
vegetable oil for frying
lemon wedges for garnish

How to prepare

Place the potatoes in a large saucepan filled with cold water to cover.
Add the salt and cook, partially covered, for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces a potato.
Drain, reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid, and let the potatoes cool.
Peel the potatoes and return them to the pot.
Using a masher or a ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth.
Add enough of the reserved cooking liquid to obtain a thick puree.
Stir in the olive oil, onion, capers, parsley, pepper flakes, and black pepper until well blended.
Line a baking sheet with paper towels and set aside.
Separate the egg roll skins and place them on a clean surface.
Place 0.25 cup of the potato mixture in the center of each egg roll skin.
Fold over to make a triangular-shaped turnover and seal the edges with water.
Into a medium skillet, pour oil to a depth of 0.5 inch.
Heat it over medium heat to 325°F, or until a piece of egg roll skin sizzles slowly when added.
(If the oil is too hot, the dough will cook before the filling is heated through.)
Carefully set one breik at a time in the oil.
Fry until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes on each side.
Drain well on paper towels.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Repeat to cook the remaining turnovers.

Variations

Add cooked ground meat such as lamb or beef to the potato filling for a heartier dish.
Mix in diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
Sprinkle grated cheese on top of the turnovers before frying for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the potatoes until they are soft and easily mashed to ensure a smooth filling.

- Be careful not to overfill the turnovers, as this can cause them to burst open during frying.

- Seal the edges of the turnovers tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.

- Fry the turnovers in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.

- Serve the turnovers hot with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Potato turnovers can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. They pair well with a side salad or a dipping sauce such as tzatziki or marinara.

Cooking Techniques

Boil the potatoes until soft and easily mashed.

- Fry the turnovers in oil until golden brown and crispy.

- Serve the turnovers hot with lemon wedges for a burst of citrus flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sweet potatoes or yams instead of russet potatoes for a different flavor.

- Substitute green onions for the onion in the filling for a milder taste.

- Use kalamata olives instead of black olives for a briny flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the potato filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

- Assemble the turnovers ahead of time and fry them just before serving for a fresh and crispy texture.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the potato turnovers on a platter and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges. - Serve the turnovers with a side of yogurt or sour cream for dipping. - Drizzle a balsamic glaze or pesto sauce over the turnovers for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve potato turnovers with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal.

- Pair the turnovers with a glass of white wine or a cold beer for a refreshing drink.

- Enjoy the turnovers with a side of hummus or tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover potato turnovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the turnovers in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

- Avoid microwaving the turnovers as this can make them soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of potato turnovers contains approximately 250 calories. Calories are a measure of the energy content in food and are important for maintaining a healthy weight.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of potato turnovers contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy and are essential for fueling daily activities.

Fats

Each serving of potato turnovers contains approximately 10 grams of fat. Fats are important for overall health and provide essential nutrients for the body.

Proteins

Each serving of potato turnovers contains approximately 5 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Potato turnovers are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and iron. Vitamin C is important for immune function, potassium helps regulate blood pressure, and iron is essential for oxygen transport in the body.

Alergens

Potato turnovers may contain allergens such as wheat (from the egg roll skins) and olives. Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid consuming potato turnovers.

Summary

Overall, potato turnovers are a delicious and satisfying dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are a great option for a quick and easy meal that is sure to please the whole family.

Summary

Potato turnovers are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. They are easy to make and can be customized with different fillings and flavors. Whether served as an appetizer or a meal, potato turnovers are sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cool autumn day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in a dusty corner of the attic. As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for Potato Turnovers that caught my attention immediately.

The recipe seemed simple enough, with just a few basic ingredients – potatoes, onions, butter, flour, and seasonings. But there was something about the combination of flavors and the flaky pastry crust that intrigued me. I could almost taste the savory filling and feel the buttery crust melting in my mouth.

I knew I had to try making these Potato Turnovers for myself. So I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen, following the instructions carefully. As the potatoes simmered on the stove, filling the room with their rich, earthy aroma, I felt a sense of excitement building inside me.

When the turnovers finally emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, I couldn't wait to take my first bite. And oh, what a bite it was! The flaky pastry gave way to a creamy, flavorful filling that warmed me from the inside out. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of textures and tastes that left me craving more.

I shared the Potato Turnovers with my family that evening, and they were an instant hit. My husband declared them the best thing I had ever made, and my children begged for seconds. From that moment on, Potato Turnovers became a staple in our household, a dish that never failed to bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our bellies.

Over the years, I have made Potato Turnovers countless times, experimenting with different seasonings and fillings to create new variations on the classic recipe. I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing it down through the generations like a treasured family heirloom.

But no matter how many times I make them, Potato Turnovers will always hold a special place in my heart. They remind me of that first magical moment when I discovered the recipe that would become a beloved tradition in our family. And every time I take a bite of a warm, flaky turnover, I am transported back to that cool autumn day in the attic, where a simple recipe captured my imagination and changed my life forever.