Introduction:
Craving something hearty, comforting, and full of flavor but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? Savory Potato-Cheese Balls in Rich Tomato Sauce is the perfect solution. This dish combines crispy, golden potato balls stuffed with melting cheese, all smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and its quick prep time makes it ideal for a gourmet lunch or a delightful dinner.
The crispy exterior of the potato-cheese balls gives way to a creamy, cheesy filling that pairs perfectly with the tangy, rich tomato sauce. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can add your favorite herbs and spices or even throw in some extra veggies for a nutritious twist.
Ingredients:
For the Potato-Cheese Balls:
4 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Tomato Sauce:
2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the Potatoes:
Boil the peeled potatoes in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well and mash them until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
Make the Potato-Cheese Balls:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes with the grated cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Roll the mixture into small balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter), making sure the cheese is evenly distributed inside each ball.
Fry the Potato Balls:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the potato balls to the oil, frying them in batches. Fry until golden and crispy on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove the balls from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
While the potato balls are frying, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Assemble the Dish:
Once the potato-cheese balls are fried and the tomato sauce is ready, arrange the balls on a serving plate. Pour the rich tomato sauce over the top and serve hot. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
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