Potato balls with cheese

Delicious Cheese Potato Balls – A Simple and Tasty Recipe

Who doesn't love a crispy, flavorful dish that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones? Cheese potato balls are a perfect choice for a snack, appetizer, or even a main course alongside a fresh salad. These little delights are not only easy to prepare but also very versatile, as they can be served with various sauces or sides. Moreover, this recipe has a rich history, being made in different forms and combinations in households around the world.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g potatoes
- 100 g cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 50 g butter
- 3-4 eggs
- breadcrumbs (about 100 g)
- salt to taste
- oil for frying

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Boiling the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into even cubes. This step is essential to ensure even cooking. Place the potatoes in a pot with cold water and add a pinch of salt. Boil them for about 15-20 minutes or until they become soft. Test them with a fork: if it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready!

2. Preparing the mixture: Once the potatoes are boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly. Then, mash them using a potato masher or a fork. It's important to achieve a smooth texture without large chunks. Add the diced butter, grated cheese, one beaten egg, and salt to taste. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined. The consistency should be slightly sticky but not too wet.

3. Forming the balls: Use damp hands to form balls the size of golf balls. Place them on a plate. This trick will prevent the dough from sticking to your palms and make shaping the balls easier.

4. Coating in egg and breadcrumbs: In a bowl, beat the remaining eggs. Take each potato ball and dip it in the beaten egg, then in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it is evenly coated. Repeat this step once more: egg, breadcrumbs, egg, breadcrumbs. This double coating will give the balls a crispy, golden crust.

5. Frying the balls: In a deep pan, heat the oil until it reaches medium temperature (about 180°C). You can check the temperature by dropping a bit of the mixture into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is ready. Carefully add the balls, a few at a time, to avoid cooling the oil. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden and crispy. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

6. Serving: Cheese potato balls are delicious served warm, alongside sauces like ketchup, mayonnaise, or garlic yogurt sauce. You can also add a fresh green salad for a refreshing contrast.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different types of cheese to achieve varied flavors. Feta or goat cheese can add an interesting taste.
- If you want to make them healthier, you can bake the balls instead of frying. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush them with a little oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 25-30 minutes, or until golden.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 300
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes can add a sweet flavor and vibrant color, but you may need to adjust the amount of salt.
- How can I store the potato balls? You can store the fried balls in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain their crispiness.

Delicious pairings:
These potato balls pair excellently with a cold beer or a glass of white wine, but they also go well with a refreshing cocktail. You can also try serving them with a creamy vegetable soup for a complete and comforting meal.

In conclusion, cheese potato balls are a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be adapted to your preferences. Try making them over the weekend to enjoy a special moment with family and friends. I invite you to discover their charm and make them a part of your meals!