A delicious and irresistible appetizer, perfect for aperitifs or as a snack to share. These crunchy balls have a gooey center and a golden crust that will win everyone over!
Ingredients (for about 20 balls):
Mashed potatoes:
500 g potatoes (peeled weight)
50 ml milk
30 g butter
Salt to taste
Filling and topping:
150 g stringy cheese (mozzarella, scamorza or provola), cut into cubes
2 eggs
100 g breadcrumbs
50 g flour
1 teaspoon sweet or spicy paprika (optional)
Oil for frying
Preparation
- Prepare the mashed potatoes
Peel the potatoes, cut them into pieces and cook them in plenty of salted water until they are soft (about 15-20 minutes).
Drain them and mash them with a potato masher.
Add the milk and butter, mixing until you get a creamy and compact puree. Let it cool. - Form the balls
Take a small amount of puree and flatten it in the palm of your hand.
Insert a cube of cheese in the center and close, forming a compact ball.
Repeat until you run out of ingredients. - Prepare the breading
Prepare three bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs (adding a pinch of salt and paprika) and one with the breadcrumbs.
Pass each ball first in the flour, then in the egg and finally in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are well covered. - Fry the balls
Heat plenty of oil in a deep pan or in a deep fryer to 170-180°C.
Fry the balls a few at a time, until they are golden and crispy (about 2-3 minutes).
Drain on absorbent paper to remove excess oil. - Serve and enjoy
Serve the balls hot, accompanied by sauces of your choice such as mayonnaise, ketchup or a yogurt sauce.
Tips
For a lighter version, you can cook the balls in a fan oven at 200°C for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking.
You can add aromatic herbs or spices to the puree to customize the flavor.
Enjoy!
