Papas Rellenas from Bongos in Downtown Disney

Papas Rellenas from Bongos in Downtown Disney

Papas rellenas are fabulous stuffed potatoes found on many Latin America menus. The seasonings and ingredients vary from country to country. This recipe is from the kitchens at Bongos in Downtown Disney.

Bongos’ Papas Rellenas

Yield: About 20 appetizers Bongos

10 to 12 good-size potatoes

Butter, salt and pepper

1 pound ground beef

1 pinch cumin

1 pinch oregano

1 Spanish onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 of a green bell pepper, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

Salt to taste

Stuffed spanish olives and raisins

4 ounces tomato sauce

2 eggs, beaten for wash

Cracker meal, oil for frying

1. Prepare mashed potatoes in the usual manner. Season to taste with butter, salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef. Stir in all seasonings and simmer until flavors are blended.

3. Form mashed potatoes into 20 (2-ounce) balls. Spoon 1 tablespoon of ground beef mixture in center of each potato ball. Close balls and once again form into a ball. Place in freezer for 1 hour.

4. Dip frozen balls in egg wash, then roll in cracker meal. Refrigerate if desired. Deep-fry until golden brown.