Potato Chops (stuffed potatoes)

Potato Chops with salad and roasted bell pepper coulis

So, here's one dish from Zanzibar that I believe has originated from the Indian subcontinent, for some reason the name Potato Chop has never made  real  sense to me. In spite of being the unknown child from wherever, it does taste very good. Its a perfect item for entertaining , side dish or snack bite. Its basically mashed potatoes stuffed with seasoned or spicy ground meat.
I have grown up eating potato chop as a something special when we had guests or at parties. Although it is served as an appetizer, or side dish; in my house I like to serve it as a main dish with soup and salad and of course some condiments to take it to the next level. 

The measurements of the ingredients are not so accurate , it all depends on your taste buds, this is how I do mine the old fashion way although I have eaten some potato chops were the meat was not so dry it was more saucy , some add peas....well here's my way of making them...and we love them with either hot sauce, ketchup, garlic sauce, sour cream , salsa  or coulis the choice is yours


Ingrediest:
Potatoes about 1 lb ( peeled , boiled and mashed)
Ground Beef 1/2 lb
Onion 1/2
Cilantro - 1/4 bunch
Garlic - 4 cloves
Ginger - 1 tspn
Cummin powder 1 tbls
Lemon/lime 1/2
Green pepper - optional
Bread crumbs - 1/2 cup
Eggs 2

Yields 8

Brown the meat

Once all the liquid is dried, add cumin powder. Sautee for 2 mins

Add chopped onions, mix and let it cook for about 3 mins

Add chopped ginger and garlic and cook for 2 mins

Add cilantro and lime

Add some salt and pepper to taste

Place the mashed potatoes on the palm of your hand

Place the cooked meat

Place another portion of the potato on the other hand

Place on top to cover

Shape it into a ball

Use bread crumbs, I prefer Panko

Beat the eggs lightly and dip the potato ball

Roll and coat with bread crumbs

Keep them in the fridge for about 10 mins

Deep fry for about 2/3 mins on each side or until golden brown

  

Plate and serve anyway you like