These Italian-inspired potato and meat patties are a delightful combination of creamy mashed potatoes, savory ground meat, and flavorful vegetables. Perfect for a family meal, these patties are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The addition of fresh parsley, garlic, and a hint of tomato sauce gives them that classic Italian flavor. Whether you serve them as a main dish or a snack, you’ll love how easy they are to make and how satisfying they are to eat!
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized potatoes
- 20g butter
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 egg
- 1 bunch of parsley, finely chopped
- 200-220g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 30ml vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 350g ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 50g green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato sauce
- Salt and spices (such as black pepper, oregano, paprika) to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and chop them into large pieces. Boil them in salted water for 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and easily pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and mash them with the butter and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly. - Prepare the Meat Filling
While the potatoes are cooking, heat a small amount of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Add the ground meat, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned. Stir in the chopped bell pepper and green onions, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the tomato sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and spices (such as black pepper, oregano, and paprika) to taste. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors blend, then remove from heat and let it cool. - Make the Dough
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the egg, chopped parsley, and baking powder. Gradually mix in the flour until the dough is firm but soft enough to handle. You may need to adjust the amount of flour slightly depending on the moisture in the potatoes. - Assemble the Patties
Divide the potato dough into equal portions (about the size of a golf ball). Flatten each portion in your hands to create a small disc. Spoon a bit of the meat mixture into the center of the dough, then fold the edges over the filling and gently press the edges together to seal. Shape the filled dough into a round patty. - Fry the Patties
Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the patties in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. Fry each patty for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. - Serve
Serve the potato and meat patties hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired. They pair perfectly with a simple side salad or some marinara sauce for dipping.
Conclusion:
These Italian-inspired potato and meat patties offer a delicious mix of textures and flavors. The crispy golden crust combined with the soft, flavorful potato dough and savory meat filling makes this dish an instant hit. Whether you enjoy them as a hearty main course or a snack, these patties bring a taste of Italy to your table and are sure to become a family favorite!