Papas Rellenas: the Cuban Croquette

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

potatoes

🥗Healthier: sweet potatoes

💰Cheaper: mashed potatoes

Sweet potatoes offer more nutrients, while mashed potatoes can be a quicker option.

In a wide bottom saucepan over medium heat, add in 1 tablespoon of oil.

When oil is shimmering, add in onion and bell pepper along with 1/4 tsp of salt and sauté.

Once veggies are softened and onion is translucent, add in minced garlic along with spices/herbs.

Stir for 30 seconds then add in beef.

Break up beef into small bits, and stir until browned, then add in tomato puree/sauce.

Add in wine and stir, rinsing off the tomato measuring cup with the wine to save on cleaning.

Stir and sauté until the sauce starts to release some oil, then add in chopped olives.

Taste, and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper as needed; allow to cool.

Boil russet potatoes until a knife can easily pass thru.

Allow potatoes to cool until they are safe to handle, then remove skin and mash.

For even texture and smoothness, pass thru a fine mesh sieve.

Season to taste with salt, then cover with plastic wrap and allow to cool slightly.

Once cool enough to mold well, take a small ping pong ball sized amount of potato and flatten into a thin pancake.

Spoon some filling onto the pancake, and cup your hand to bring up the sides of the ball.

Patch the top with some more potato, and fill in/pinch together any cracks.

Dredge each completed ball in flour, and shake off excess.

Dip in beaten eggs until fully covered, and then toss in panko breadcrumbs.

Repeat until all balls are completed, then allow to rest in the fridge for about an hour to help firm up.

Fry over medium high heat (370F) and flip/rotate every 15-30 seconds until evenly golden brown all around.

Drain on a wire rack and enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens