## Stuffed Potato Cakes Recipe
### Ingredients
– **For the Potato Dough:**
– 4 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– **For the Filling:**
– 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
– 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
– 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **For Frying:**
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Potatoes:**
– Boil the peeled potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them until smooth.
– Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly, then mix in the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until a dough forms.
2. **Make the Filling:**
– In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cheese, bacon (if using), green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. **Form the Potato Cakes:**
– Divide the potato dough into equal portions. Flatten each portion into a small disk.
– Place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of each disk.
– Fold the edges of the potato disk over the filling, sealing it in the middle. Flatten gently to form a patty.
4. **Cook the Potato Cakes:**
– Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Cook the stuffed potato cakes in batches, frying each side until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
– Transfer the cooked potato cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. **Serve:**
– Serve the stuffed potato cakes hot, garnished with extra green onions or sour cream if desired.
## Nutritional Information [Per serving]
– Calories: 220
– Protein: 6g
– Carbohydrates: 32g
– Fiber: 3g
– Sugars: 1g
– Fat: 8g
– Saturated Fat: 3g
– Sodium: 300mg
### Health Benefits
1. **Rich in Potassium:** Potatoes are a great source of potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
2. **High in Vitamin C:** Potatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system.
3. **Good Source of Fiber:** The fiber content in potatoes aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full longer.
4. **Protein Boost:** Adding cheese and bacon to the filling increases the protein content, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
5. **Customizable:** These potato cakes can be made healthier by adjusting the filling ingredients, such as using low-fat cheese or adding vegetables.
### Q&A
#### Can I make these potato cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato cakes and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before frying. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep.
#### What other fillings can I use?
Feel free to get creative with the fillings. Some popular options include sautéed mushrooms, spinach and feta, or leftover roasted vegetables.
#### Can I bake the potato cakes instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
#### Are these potato cakes gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
#### How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or in the oven until warmed through and crispy.
Enjoy these delicious and versatile Stuffed Potato Cakes as a tasty appetizer, side dish, or even a main course!
