Crispy Spiced Potato Balls

Hey there, foodies! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably seen those crispy spiced potato balls trending all over TikTok and Instagram. I just had to give them a try, but of course, I had to add a little Indian twist to them to make them even more delicious. These crispy potato balls are packed with flavor and will make your taste buds do a happy dance. Perfect as a snack or a party appetizer, these little beauties are golden on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. Let’s dive right into this amazing recipe!

Method

Boil the Potatoes 

Start by placing the potato chunks into a large pot filled with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes until they are fork-tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Be sure to check them with a fork to ensure they’re soft enough for mashing. Once done, drain the potatoes and set them aside to cool slightly.

Mash the Potatoes 

Once the potatoes are drained, it’s time to mash them. You can use a potato ricer or a regular masher to break the potatoes down into a smooth, lump-free consistency. This is a crucial step because you want the potatoes to be smooth so the mixture will hold together better when you form the balls.

Mix the Seasonings 

Next, add your seasonings to the mashed potatoes. Sprinkle in the curry powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped coriander. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. The curry powder will give it that signature flavor, while the garlic and coriander add extra depth to the taste.

Form the Balls 

Once the mashed potatoes are seasoned, it’s time to shape them. Take small portions of the potato mixture and roll them into small balls. I made around 20, but you can make them smaller or larger depending on your preference. Just be sure to press them firmly enough so they hold their shape while frying. The size of the balls is completely up to you just remember that smaller ones cook faster, and larger ones might need a bit more time.

Fry to Perfection 

Now comes the fun part frying! Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok. You’ll want the oil to be hot enough so that the potato balls fry up crispy on the outside but stay soft and tender inside. Once the oil is ready, carefully drop the potato balls into the hot oil. Fry them for about 7 to 9 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy all around. It’s important to keep an eye on them and not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.

Drain the Oil 

Once the potato balls are fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil. This step ensures that your crispy potato balls aren’t greasy but perfectly crunchy.

Serve and Enjoy 

 Now, it’s time to serve these crispy delights! Place the golden brown potato balls in a serving bowl. For an extra touch, sprinkle a little extra salt on top and garnish with fresh coriander. Pair them with a delicious dipping sauce like spicy mayo or tangy tamarind chutney, and you’re all set for a flavorful, snackable treat.

Necessary Tools

  • Potato ricer or masher
  • Large pot (for boiling potatoes)
  • Deep frying pan or wok
  • Slotted spoon
  • Kitchen paper (for draining the oil)
  • Serving bowl

Crispy Spiced Potato Balls

Recipe by Justin SelkCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

20

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Total time

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 potatoes (around 300g), cut into chunks

  • 2-3 tbsp corn starch/potato starch

  • 1 tsp curry powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • Handful of coriander, chopped

  • Sauce Kewpie mayo + sriracha (to taste)

Directions

  • Boil the Potatoes  Start by boiling the potato chunks in a large pot of water until they are fork-tender (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  • Mash the Potatoes  Use a potato ricer or a masher to mash the potatoes until smooth. No lumps allowed!
  • Mix the Seasonings  Into the mashed potatoes, add curry powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chopped coriander. Mix everything thoroughly so the seasoning is well distributed.
  • Form the Balls  Now, it’s time to shape the potatoes into small balls. I made 20, but feel free to make them smaller or larger, depending on your preference.
  • Fry to Perfection  Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the potato balls and fry them for about 7-9 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
  • Drain the Oil  Use a slotted spoon to remove the golden brown balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with kitchen paper to absorb any excess oil.
  • Serve and Enjoy  Place the crispy potato balls in a serving bowl, sprinkle with a little extra salt and fresh coriander, and serve with a side of spicy mayo for dipping.

Notes

  • Temperature of Oil  Be sure to heat the oil properly before frying the potato balls. If the oil is too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks. If the oil is too cold, the balls will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
  • Shape the Balls Firmly  Make sure to form the potato balls firmly to avoid them falling apart during frying. A little press here and there helps them hold their shape.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan  Fry the balls in batches to make sure each one gets the perfect golden crunch. If the pan is too crowded, the oil temperature will drop and the balls won’t cook evenly.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy spiced potato balls are perfect for serving at a party or as a tasty snack. You can enjoy them with a spicy mayo dip (my personal favorite) or even with some tangy tamarind chutney for that extra zing! Want to take it up a notch? Serve them on a bed of greens or alongside some crispy fried onions for an even more indulgent treat.

Fun Fact

Did you know that potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients out there? Whether you’re frying, mashing, or baking them, there are endless ways to enjoy them. Plus, they were first domesticated in the Andes in South America – but we’ve totally made them our own, especially in Indian cuisine!

Conclusion

These crispy spiced potato balls are the ultimate snack for any occasion. Whether you’re chilling with friends, hosting a party, or just in the mood for something crispy and flavorful, these little bites of heaven will do the trick. Plus, they’re so easy to make, and you get to add your own twist! Try them out, and trust me, you’ll be hooked!

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