Potato figurines

The joy of cooking for loved ones is an experience that connects us to traditions and pleasant memories. Today, I invite you to discover a playful and delicious recipe, perfect for bringing smiles to the faces of little ones: potato figurines. This dish is not only an excellent side for meats, fish, or vegetables, but also a fun way to involve children in the kitchen. Let's begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes (ideally type A, with a floury texture)
- Oil for frying (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil for a milder flavor)
- 1 red bell pepper (for a splash of color)
- 1 green bell pepper (for contrast)
- A handful of olives (green or black, as preferred)
- A handful of fresh parsley (for an extra touch of freshness)
- Ketchup (for serving, but you can also use mayonnaise or yogurt sauce)

Brief history of the recipe:
Potato figurines are a creative invention that brings a touch of magic to the plate, stimulating children's imagination while providing a healthy serving of vegetables. This recipe can be easily adapted based on available ingredients and individual preferences, making it extremely versatile. The origins of this dish are lost in time, but it has certainly been cooked by many generations of mothers and grandmothers who wanted to turn meals into moments of joy.

Preparing potato figures:

1. Cleaning and preparing the potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Then, peel them with a knife or a peeler. If you want to keep a splash of color, you can leave some strips of skin, especially if you have potatoes of various shades.

2. Cutting and shaping:
Cut the potatoes into thick slices about 1 cm thick. Using a knife or cookie cutters, cut out various shapes: stars, hearts, flowers, or anything your imagination suggests. Involve the little ones in this process! It’s a fun and creative activity.

3. Frying:
In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium heat. To check if the oil is ready, you can add a small slice of potato; if it sizzles, the oil is hot enough. Fry the potato figurines on both sides until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove them to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

4. Decorating:
Now comes the fun part! Use the red and green bell peppers to create funny eyes and mouths on your figurines. You can cut the peppers into small shapes and place them on the figurines. Add olives to complete the playful look. Take your time to play with their arrangement!

5. Serving:
Arrange the figurines on a platter and sprinkle chopped parsley on top to add color and freshness. Serve them with ketchup or your favorite sauce. These figurines are perfect as a side dish but can also be enjoyed as an appetizer or snack.

Useful tips:
- Use quality potatoes, as they will influence the texture and final taste of the dish. Floury potatoes are the best for achieving crispy figures.
- If you want a healthier option, you can bake the figurines in the oven, brushed with a little oil, at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through.
- Experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, which can be just as fun and delicious!

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes offer a sweet flavor and vibrant color, making them an excellent alternative.
- How do I keep the figurines from getting soggy?
Make sure to serve them immediately after frying. If you leave them to sit, cover them with a clean towel to keep them warm, but avoid covering them completely, as moisture will make them soggy.
- What can I pair the potato figurines with?
They go wonderfully with meats, fish, or even as part of a vegetarian meal alongside mushrooms and fresh salads.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
Potato figurines are a carbohydrate-rich dish that provides energy, while the peppers and parsley add essential vitamins and minerals. A serving of potato figurines (about 100g) has around 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

Possible variations:
- Add spices like paprika or garlic powder to the frying oil for an extra flavor boost.
- Experiment with cheeses, adding grated cheese on top of the figures before baking for a delicious variant.

These potato figurines are more than just a simple side dish; they are an invitation to fun and creativity in the kitchen. So, put on your apron, gather your little helpers, and let’s transform mealtime into a memorable experience!