Description
Papas Rellenas (Cuban Potato Meatballs) are a traditional Cuban dish featuring mashed potato balls stuffed with savory beef picadillo, breaded, and fried to crispy golden perfection. With a flavorful filling of ground beef, spices, and olives, these delicious treats make a perfect appetizer, snack, or main dish. Easy to make and customizable, they offer a satisfying combination of crispy outside and soft, flavorful inside.
Ingredients
For the Mashed Potatoes:
- 4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 egg yolks (reserve the whites)
- ¼ cup whole milk (add gradually)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Breading:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 egg whites
For the Picadillo Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 10 Spanish olives (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- For the Mashed Potatoes:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and mash them. Mix in butter, milk, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in beaten egg yolks. Let the potatoes cool or refrigerate them.
- For the Picadillo Filling:
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned. Stir in chopped olives and olive juice, then adjust seasoning.
- For the Breading:
- Combine flour and breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs and egg whites.
- Assembling the Papas Rellenas:
- Take about ¼ cup of cold mashed potatoes and form a ball. Flatten it and make an indentation in the center. Add 1 tablespoon of picadillo filling and seal the potato around the filling to form a ball.
- Coat the Balls:
- Roll each ball in the egg mixture and then coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet and chill for 2-4 hours.
- Frying the Papas Rellenas:
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or deep fryer. Fry the balls in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet.
- Serve:
- Serve the papas rellenas hot, and enjoy them as a delicious snack or meal.
Notes
- Vegetarian: Substitute lentils or soy crumbles for the picadillo filling for a plant-based version.
- Spicy: Add extra cayenne or chopped jalapeños for an added kick.
- Different Fillings: Experiment with raisins, capers, or even ground turkey instead of beef.
