Explore the delightful taste experience of Papas Rellenas or Puerto Rican or Stuffed Potatoes or traditional Cuban snack , a cherished dish from Latin America .

It boasts a crispy outer layer enveloping a savory blend of seasoned meat encased in creamy mashed potatoes. Master making these tempting fried treats at home with our simple recipe!

Ingredients:

For the mashed potato dough:

 - 2 pounds (about 4 large) potatoes, peeled and diced

 - Salt, to taste

 - 1 egg, beaten

 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

For the seasoned meat filling:

 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

 - 1 small onion, finely chopped

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1/2 pound ground beef or ground pork

 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - 1 teaspoon paprika

 - Salt and pepper, to taste

 - 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

 - 1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)

For frying:

 - Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1-Boil the diced potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them while still hot until smooth.

2-Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly, then mix in the beaten egg and flour until well combined. The mixture should form a dough-like consistency. Set aside.

3-In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

4-Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the meat with ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

5-If using, stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs and green olives into the seasoned meat mixture. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

6-To assemble the Papas Rellenas, take a small portion of the mashed potato dough and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of the seasoned meat filling in the center of the dough.

7-Carefully fold the mashed potato dough around the filling, shaping it into a ball or oval shape, ensuring the filling is completely enclosed.

8-Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the Papas Rellenas in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.

9-Once cooked, remove the Papas Rellenas from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

10-Serve the Papas Rellenas hot, either as a delicious snack or as part of a meal. Enjoy!

Nutritional Values :

Here’s the nutritional information and benefits for the ingredients listed:

2 pounds (about 4 large) potatoes, peeled and diced

- Calories: Approximately 672 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 156g

- Protein: Approximately 16g

- Benefits: Rich in carbohydrates for energy and fiber for digestive health. Potatoes also provide vitamins such as vitamin C, which supports immune function and skin health.

Salt, to taste

- Calories: Negligible

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to control sodium intake and maintain healthy blood pressure.

1 egg, beaten

- Calories: Approximately 70 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 5g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: Approximately 6g

- Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, and B12. Supports muscle health and overall nutrition.

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- Calories: Approximately 114 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 0.3g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 24g

- Protein: Approximately 3g

- Benefits: Provides essential carbohydrates for energy. Helps in binding ingredients and creating texture in recipes.

For the seasoned meat filling:

1 tablespoon olive oil

- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 14g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Benefits: Contains monounsaturated fats that support heart health. Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E.

1 small onion, finely chopped

- Calories: Approximately 45 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 11g

- Protein: Approximately 1g

- Benefits: Adds flavor and antioxidants. Supports heart health and may help regulate blood sugar levels.

2 cloves garlic, minced

- Calories: Approximately 9 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

- Protein: Approximately 0.4g

- Benefits: Contains antimicrobial compounds that support immune health. May help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

1/2 pound ground beef or ground pork

- Ground Beef:

 - Calories: Approximately 840 kcal

 - Fat: Approximately 48g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: Approximately 92g

 - Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. Supports muscle growth and overall health.

- Ground Pork:

 - Calories: Approximately 1040 kcal

 - Fat: Approximately 88g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: Approximately 72g

 - Benefits: Similar benefits to ground beef, with higher fat content. Provides essential nutrients and supports muscle repair.

1 teaspoon ground cumin

- Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 0.5g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g

- Protein: Approximately 0.4g

- Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion. Adds warm flavor and supports nutrient absorption.

1 teaspoon paprika

- Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

- Protein: 0g

- Benefits: Rich in antioxidants like capsaicin. May help reduce inflammation and support immune function.

Salt and pepper, to taste

Salt:

 - Calories: Negligible

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to control sodium intake.

Pepper:

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal per teaspoon

 - Fat: 0.2g

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion. Adds flavor and may support metabolism.

2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional)

- Calories: Approximately 140 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 10g

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: Approximately 12g

- Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamins A and D. Supports muscle health and overall nutrition.

1/4 cup green olives, chopped (optional)

- Calories: Approximately 25 kcal

- Fat: Approximately 2g

- Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g

- Protein: Approximately 0.2g

- Benefits: Provides healthy fats and antioxidants. Contains vitamins like vitamin E and supports heart health.

For frying:

Vegetable oil, for frying

- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal per tablespoon

- Fat: Approximately 14g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 0g

- Benefits: Adds crispiness and richness to fried items. Provides essential fatty acids but should be used in moderation to manage calorie and fat intake.