Fried mashed potatoes are a delicious twist on the classic comfort food we all know and love. This recipe combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with the crispy goodness of fried foods, creating a unique and satisfying dish that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Whether you’re looking for a new side dish for your next family dinner or a creative way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, fried mashed potatoes are a must-try. In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of this dish, provide a detailed list of ingredients and step-by-step instructions, offer tips and variations, and even cover some basic nutritional information. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 1/2 cup milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for coating)
- 2 large eggs (optional, for coating)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mashed Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks. Place them in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Mash the Potatoes: Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk (or heavy cream) and mash until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Form the Patties
- Shape the Patties: Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly. If desired, stir in the finely chopped onion and parsley. Shape the mashed potatoes into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter.
- Coat the Patties (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can coat the patties. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and another dish of flour. Dip each patty first in flour, then in the beaten eggs, and finally in the flour again.
Step 3: Fry the Patties
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a small drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface.
- Fry the Patties: Carefully place the potato patties in the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve Immediately: Serve the fried mashed potatoes hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. These patties make a great side dish for a variety of meals or a tasty snack on their own.
Tips and Variations
- Onions and Herbs: Adding finely chopped onions and fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mashed potatoes before frying can enhance the flavor and add a bit of texture.
- Cheese: Mix in some grated cheese (cheddar, Parmesan, or your favorite) with the mashed potatoes for a cheesy twist.
- Spices: Add a pinch of garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to the mashed potatoes for a bit of extra flavor and spice.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, skip the flour coating and fry the patties directly. They may be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk and butter alternatives to make this recipe vegan-friendly. You can also skip the egg coating or use a flaxseed mixture as a substitute.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (assuming the recipe makes about 8 patties and uses all optional ingredients):
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
Fried mashed potatoes are a fantastic way to elevate your mashed potato game. With their crispy exterior and creamy interior, they offer a delightful contrast in textures that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or try out some of the suggested variations, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment, share the recipe on social media, and subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious recipes and cooking tips,