Papa Rellena is a delicious Dominican dish consisting of mashed potato stuffed with seasoned ground meat, onions, peppers, and other flavorful ingredients. These stuffed potato balls are then fried to a golden perfection. Here’s a traditional recipe for making Papa Rellena:
Ingredients:
For the potato mixture:
- 2 pounds (about 4 large) russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the meat filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel and chop the potatoes into 1-inch cubes.
- Place them in a large pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt.
- Bring the water to a boil and simmer the potatoes until they are fork-tender, usually about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
2. Mash the Potatoes:
- Mash the potatoes while they are still hot.
- Add the butter and milk and continue mashing until you have smooth and creamy mashed potatoes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and bell peppers and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the ground meat and cook until it’s browned and crumbled.
- Add the tomato paste, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in the chopped olives and hard-boiled eggs. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Papa Rellena:
- Take a handful of mashed potatoes and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of the potato and then encase the filling with the potato, forming a ball. Seal it completely.
- Repeat this process with the remaining mashed potatoes and filling.
5. Fry the Papa Rellena:
- Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to cover the Papa Rellena completely.
- Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the stuffed potato balls.
- Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, turning them occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the Papa Rellena from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Papa Rellena hot, garnished with additional olives if desired.
- These are often enjoyed with a side of Dominican-style coleslaw or a dipping sauce of your choice.
Enjoy your homemade Papa Rellena, a flavorful and comforting Dominican dish!
