1. Boil the Potatoes:
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into even-sized chunks. Boil them in salted water until fully cooked, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly before mashing. Make sure they are mashed smoothly, without lumps.
2. Prepare the Cheese:
Grate the cheese of your choice and set it aside. You can use mozzarella for a gooey center, cheddar for a sharp flavor, or gouda for a nutty taste.
The cheese will be mixed into the potato mixture, adding a rich, cheesy texture.
3. Make the Potato Dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the grated cheese. Add the egg and ground black pepper to taste.
Gradually mix in the flour, starting with 3 tablespoons. You may need to add an additional tablespoon if the dough is too sticky.
The dough should be soft but firm enough to hold its shape. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle in a little more flour.
4. Shape the Patties:
Lightly flour a work surface and your hands. Divide the potato dough into equal portions, about the size of a golf ball.
Flatten each ball slightly into a patty shape, about 1 cm thick. You can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference.
Once all the patties are formed, dip each one into the sesame seeds, coating one side of the patty for an added crunch.
5. Fry the Patties:
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Fry the patties sesame-side down first for about 3-4 minutes, or until the sesame seeds are golden and crispy.
Carefully flip the patties and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until both sides are golden brown and the patties are heated through.
You may need to fry the patties in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.
6. Serve:
Once the patties are golden and crispy, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as sour cream, garlic aioli, or ketchup. These patties also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a light meal.
Cooking Tips:
Cheese Selection: You can use a variety of cheeses depending on your taste preference. Mozzarella provides a soft, gooey center, while cheddar gives a sharper flavor. A mix of cheeses can also add depth to the dish.
Shaping the Patties: If the dough is too sticky, dust your hands with flour while shaping the patties. Make sure to keep the patties evenly sized for even cooking.
Frying Temperature: Fry the patties on medium heat to ensure they cook through evenly without burning. If the oil is too hot, the outside will brown too quickly while the inside remains undercooked.
Alternative Coatings: While sesame seeds add a delicious crunch, you can also experiment with breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for different textures.
Storage:
Refrigeration: Store leftover potato patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through.
Freezing: These patties freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and fry or bake until crispy.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 180 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sodium: 350 mg
Please note that these values are approximate and depend on portion sizes and the specific ingredients used.
FAQs:
1. Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
Yes! To bake the patties, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush them with a little vegetable oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Can I use different herbs or spices in the patties?
Absolutely! You can add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme to the potato mixture. You can also experiment with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cumin for extra flavor.
3. What dipping sauces go well with these potato patties?
These patties pair well with a variety of sauces, such as sour cream, tzatziki, garlic aioli, or even a simple ketchup. For a spicy kick, try serving them with sriracha or a chili garlic sauce.
4. Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Shape and fry the patties when you’re ready to serve. Alternatively, you can shape the patties and refrigerate them for up to a few hours before frying.
5. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute for regular potatoes. The texture and flavor will change slightly, but the patties will still be delicious. You may need to adjust the amount of flour, as sweet potatoes tend to be a bit more moist.
Conclusion:
These Cheesy Potato Patties with Sesame Crust are a delightful combination of soft, cheesy potato filling and a crispy exterior. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish and are sure to please both kids and adults alike. The addition of sesame seeds gives them a wonderful nutty crunch, while the cheese adds a rich, savory flavor.
Whether you serve them on their own with a dipping sauce or as part of a larger meal, these potato patties are versatile and easy to make. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes or other ingredients you have on hand. Enjoy them fresh and hot, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly from the table!
