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(Serves 4)
1-1/2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
1/2 red onion
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Gray salt and freshly ground pepper
2 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 4 equal pieces
2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup
olive oil
1 large cucumber, peeled, halved, seeded, and cut on the diagonal into 1/4-inch-thick crescents
2 avocados, pitted, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 large, ripe tomato, cut into bite-sized chunks
1/2 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
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Polpette of Potato with Avocado, Red Onions, and Cucumber Salad
In the summer, my kids and I eat these potato patties on their own with an all-tomato salad. In winter, we eat them alongside pork chops, roasts, and chicken. And year-round, we love them for breakfast, topped with a fried egg.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan with cold salted water to cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well, scatter on a baking sheet, and let cool for several minutes. Place in the oven to dry out, about 5 minutes. Let cool, then press through a ricer, the large holes of a box grater, or a colander.
While the potatoes are in the oven, cut the onion half into quarters and slice thinly to yield slim pieces about 1 inch long. Put in a non-reactive bowl with the vinegar and oregano and let rest for 15 minutes.
Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, then divide into 8 equal balls. Place a ball in the palm of your hand, top with a piece of cheese, and then a second potato ball. Shape the potato around the cheese to form a 4-inch patty. Repeat with the remaining potato balls and cheese. (The recipe may be prepared to this point, covered, and refrigerated up to 1 day before cooking.)
Heat the 2 tablespoons olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat or in an electric frying skillet set at 350°F. Add the polpette and cook, turning once, until brown and crispy on both sides, about 20 minutes total.
While the polpette are cooking, finish making the salad. Whisk the remaining 1/2 cup olive oil and salt and pepper to taste into the onion-vinegar mixture. Add the cucumber, avocados, and tomato and toss well.
Arrange a nest of lettuce on each of 4 plates. Spoon the salad over each nest. Top with a polpette and spoon more dressing over all. Serve at once.
Chef's note: You can flavor the potato mixture with a tablespoon of Fennel Spice, herbes de Napa, or red pepper flakes. Be careful when adding other flavorings, however; too much moisture or too large an amount of dried seasonings will make the polpette fall apart during cooking. If you have an electric skillet, use it for this recipe. Its even heat is terrific for cooking polpette. My mom had one and loved it, which is how I learned to use it.
Chef's Note: In winter try the polpette with mixed greens and our broken tomato vinaigrette.
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The Potato Show |
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Quick Tip:
To get kids excited about cooking, make foods they can participate in, like forming these potato patties. |
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