What Are Fried Mashed Potatoes Called?
Fried mashed potatoes, also known as potato cakes, potato patties, or potato fritters, are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side or even a main course. These crispy, golden-brown treats are made by shaping leftover mashed potatoes into patties and frying them until they develop a delightful crust. The result is a heavenly combination of creamy mashed potatoes with a crispy exterior that will leave you craving for more.
Fried mashed potatoes are a popular dish in many cuisines around the world. In the United States, they are commonly known as potato cakes or potato patties. In the United Kingdom, they are referred to as potato fritters. However, regardless of the name, they all share the same basic concept of transforming mashed potatoes into a crispy and flavorful dish.
To make fried mashed potatoes, you will need leftover mashed potatoes. If you don’t have any leftovers, you can easily prepare fresh mashed potatoes by boiling peeled potatoes until tender, then mashing them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Once you have your mashed potatoes ready, you can add additional ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as grated cheese, herbs, or even bacon bits.
To shape the mashed potatoes into patties, scoop a portion of the mixture and form it into a ball. Flatten the ball with your hands or a spoon to create a patty shape. The size and thickness of the patties are entirely up to you, but aim for a uniform shape to ensure even cooking.
Now it’s time to fry the potato patties. Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the patties into the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Use a spatula to flip them over, being gentle to avoid breaking them apart. Once cooked, transfer the patties to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Fried mashed potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even fish. They also make a fantastic breakfast option when paired with eggs and bacon. If you’re feeling creative, you can even turn them into a main course by adding a topping of your choice, such as sautéed vegetables, sour cream, or even a fried egg.
FAQs about Fried Mashed Potatoes:
1. Can I use instant mashed potatoes instead of fresh mashed potatoes?
Yes, you can use instant mashed potatoes as a convenient alternative. Just follow the instructions on the package to prepare them, and then proceed with shaping and frying.
2. Can I make the potato patties ahead of time and refrigerate them?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or planning for gatherings.
3. Can I freeze the potato patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked potato patties for up to 3 months. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator before frying.
4. Can I bake the mashed potato patties instead of frying them?
Certainly! While frying gives the patties a crispy exterior, you can also bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they become golden brown.
5. Can I use leftover sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can use leftover sweet potatoes to make sweet potato cakes. The process is the same, but you’ll end up with a sweeter and slightly different flavor profile.
6. Can I make gluten-free potato cakes?
Yes, you can easily make gluten-free potato cakes by substituting regular flour with gluten-free flour or other alternatives like almond flour or cornmeal.
7. Can I add other ingredients to the mashed potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite ingredients to the mashed potatoes, such as chopped onions, garlic, or even herbs like rosemary or thyme, to enhance the flavor.
8. Can I use oil other than vegetable oil for frying?
Yes, you can use other oils like canola or sunflower oil for frying. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point to prevent it from burning.
9. Can I reheat the leftover potato cakes?
Yes, you can reheat the leftover potato cakes by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
10. Can I use mashed sweet potatoes instead of regular mashed potatoes?
Certainly! Mashed sweet potatoes can be used to create delicious sweet potato cakes with a unique flavor and a slightly different texture.
11. Can I make vegan potato cakes?
Yes, you can make vegan potato cakes by using plant-based milk and butter substitutes in the mashed potatoes. You can also omit any additional cheese or bacon bits to make them completely vegan.
12. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes with added ingredients like cheese or bacon?
Absolutely! Leftover mashed potatoes with added ingredients like cheese or bacon will only enhance the flavors of the potato cakes. Just make sure the added ingredients are cooked before mixing them into the mashed potatoes.