Bulgarian potatoes and baguettes

Potato balls and sticks – a simple and savory delight!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4

Welcome to my kitchen, where today we will prepare a traditional recipe for potato balls and sticks. These dishes are not only delicious but also versatile, suitable for any meal of the day. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, the potato balls and sticks will bring a smile to everyone's faces. Let's embark on this culinary journey together!

A brief story about the recipe

The origins of these delicious potato dishes are lost in the mists of time, having been embraced and reinvented in countless cultures. The potato, a staple ingredient in many households, has been transformed into various forms, from purées to croquettes, and the potato balls and sticks are a playful variation of this versatile ingredient. Today, I will share with you a simple recipe that combines tradition with innovation, perfect for enjoying with family and friends.

Ingredients

- 5 medium potatoes
- 1 large carrot
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 tablespoons of white flour
- 1 tablespoon of margarine
- 1 cup of corn flour
- 1 tablespoon of oregano
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of curry (or to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying

Step-by-step preparation technique

1. Preparing the vegetables: Start by peeling the potatoes and carrot. Make sure to use a sharp knife to avoid accidents. After peeling, wash them well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities.

2. Boiling the vegetables: Place the potatoes and carrot in a large pot with cold water. Add the bay leaves, curry, and salt to taste. Boil the vegetables over medium heat for 20-25 minutes or until well cooked. A little trick: to check if they are cooked, you can insert a fork into the potatoes; if it goes in easily, they are ready!

3. Adding the garlic: When the vegetables are cooked, add the crushed garlic cloves to the water and let them simmer for another 3 minutes. The garlic will add a delicious and aromatic flavor to your dish.

4. Preparing the mash: Remove the pot from the heat and drain the water well. Add the margarine and mash the vegetables with a potato masher or fork until you achieve a smooth puree. Make sure there are no lumps for an even texture.

5. Mixing the ingredients: Once you have a homogeneous puree, add the 3 tablespoons of white flour and finely chopped onion. Mix well until all the ingredients are integrated. Then, place the mixture in the fridge for 15 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a firmer consistency.

6. Shaping the balls and sticks: After the mixture has chilled, you can take it out and shape it. Take a handful of the mixture and form balls or sticks, according to your preference. For sticks, shape them into long cylinders, and for balls, make small spheres.

7. Coating in flour: Roll the sticks in corn flour for a crispy crust. For the balls, mix the remaining flour with oregano and roll them in this mixture. This technique will give your dish a flavorful taste and an interesting texture.

8. Frying: Heat the oil in a deep pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot (you can check by throwing a drop of water in, it should sizzle), carefully add the balls and sticks. Fry them until they are golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Use a spatula to turn them carefully.

9. Serving: Once the balls and sticks are fried, remove them to absorbent towels to eliminate excess oil. You can serve the dish warm, alongside a fresh salad or a garlic yogurt sauce for a delicious contrast.

Serving suggestions and variations

These potato balls and sticks are wonderful when served with various sauces. You can try a yogurt sauce with dill, a tomato salsa, or a spicy sauce. Additionally, you can vary the recipe by adding grated cheese to the mixture or even sautéed vegetables for a more sophisticated flavor.

For a healthier option, you can bake the sticks instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius, place the sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and lightly brush them with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden.

Nutritional benefits

Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy, as well as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. Carrots are renowned for their high beta-carotene content, which supports eye health. Additionally, garlic is an ingredient with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, adding a health boost to your dish.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Sure! Sweet potatoes will add a hint of sweetness to your dish.

- What can I use instead of margarine?
You can use butter or olive oil for a healthier option.

- How can I make the balls lower in calories?
You can bake them instead of frying and reduce the amount of oil used.

In conclusion, potato balls and sticks are an inspired choice for any meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you will create a delicious dish that will impress everyone. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and ingredients! Happy cooking!