Potatoes, a humble yet versatile ingredient, have been a favorite across cultures for centuries. In this recipe, we take potatoes to the next level by creating crispy potato patties with a juicy, flavorful filling of chicken, mushrooms, and mozzarella cheese. This dish is perfect for a hearty meal that is both comforting and satisfying. It combines the crispy, golden exterior of potato cakes with a rich, creamy interior, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. Whether you’re preparing it for dinner or a special occasion, these crispy potato patties are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 1.5 lb (700g) potatoes (peeled)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 1 carrot (grated)
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/3 lb (150g) chicken fillet (chopped)
- 1/3 lb (150g) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 lb (200g) champignon mushrooms (chopped)
- 2 onions (chopped)
- 1/2 cup cream (20%)
- Dried garlic (to taste)
- Curry powder (to taste)
- Butter (for frying)
- Green onions (for garnish)
Directions and Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
The base of our crispy potato patties is mashed potatoes, which provide a soft, comforting texture that contrasts beautifully with the crispy exterior. Here’s how to prepare the potatoes:
- Peel and Boil the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks for faster cooking. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring it to a boil. Cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes, or until they are soft and fully cooked. You can test this by inserting a fork—if it slides in easily, they are ready.
- Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.
- Add Egg and Flour: To the mashed potatoes, add one egg, two tablespoons of flour, and season with salt and pepper. The egg and flour will help bind the potatoes together, creating a dough-like consistency. Stir everything well until fully combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Now that the base for your potato patties is ready, it’s time to create the flavorful filling that will make each patty burst with taste.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt a small amount of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped chicken fillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more butter if needed, and sauté the two chopped onions, grated carrot, and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir occasionally, cooking the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become aromatic.
- Add Mushrooms and Simmer: Add the chopped champignon mushrooms to the pan and cook them for about 5 minutes, or until they release their moisture and become tender.
- Stir in Cream and Seasonings: Pour in the cream and add dried garlic and curry powder to taste. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. This will form a rich, creamy base for the filling.
- Combine with Chicken and Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese. The heat from the mixture will melt the cheese, creating a gooey, flavorful filling. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Assemble the Potato Patties
Now that both the potato base and the filling are ready, it’s time to assemble the patties. This step requires some care to ensure the filling is well-sealed inside the crispy potato layers.
- Form the Potato Base: Take a small portion of the mashed potato mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it into a patty shape in the palm of your hand. Try to create an even, round shape, making sure there are no cracks.
- Add the Filling: Place a spoonful of the chicken, mushroom, and cheese mixture in the center of each potato patty.
- Seal and Shape the Patty: Gently fold the edges of the mashed potatoes over the filling to seal it inside. Press lightly to form a round, flat patty. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Step 4: Fry the Potato Patties
Frying is the final step, giving the patties their irresistible crispy texture. Here’s how to fry them to perfection:
- Heat the Butter: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt enough butter to coat the bottom of the pan. The butter will add flavor and help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Fry the Patties: Once the butter is melted and hot, carefully place the potato patties in the skillet. Fry them for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the patties are crispy and golden, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil. This step ensures that your patties remain crispy and not greasy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
To add a fresh touch and extra flavor, garnish the crispy potato patties with chopped green onions. Serve them hot and enjoy!
FAQs
1. Can I make these potato patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato patties in advance. After forming the patties, you can store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, fry them directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
2. Can I substitute the chicken with another meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed spinach and feta cheese. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your choice of filling.
3. Can I make the filling without cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use milk instead of cream or opt for a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk. You can also skip the cream entirely and use vegetable broth for a lighter, savory filling.
4. Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the potato patties for a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
Conclusion
These crispy potato patties with a juicy filling are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The creamy, cheesy chicken and mushroom filling pairs beautifully with the golden, crispy potato exterior, creating a satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone. Whether served as a main dish for dinner or as a special treat for family and friends, these patties are a delicious option for any occasion. The best part is that they are customizable—feel free to experiment with different fillings and seasonings to make them your own. Don’t be surprised if these crispy potato patties become a new family favorite!