Cuban Potato Croquettes With Beef Picadillo (Papas Rellenas De P

These are great cocktail bites or appetizers.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Yields: 12 croquettes

Ingredients

• 2  lbs potatoes (russet is the best)
• 1  large egg, lightly beaten
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3  tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  dried breadcrumbs
•  fresh ground black pepper
•  coarse salt
•  vegetable oil (for frying)

• Picadillo

• 1⁄2 lb ground beef
• 1⁄2 small onion
• 1⁄2 green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1⁄8 cup  pimento stuffed olive, chopped
• 1  tablespoon raisins, chopped
• 1  tablespoon capers, drained
• 1  tablespoon tomato paste
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1  tablespoon olive oil
•  fresh ground black pepper
•  sherry wine vinegar
•  coarse salt

Directions

1. First prepare the picadillo. In a large bowl using your hands mix beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, olives, raisins, capers, tomato paste, oregano, cumin, allspice and some pepper. Cover with plastic and leave at room temperature for 1/2 hour for the flavours to mix.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and add the meat mixture with a splash of vinegar and a pinch of salt. Cook, while breaking up the meat frequently. If the meat starts to brown lower the heat, and continue to cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 30 minutes. The picadillo should be juicy, but not soupy.
3. Boil the potatoes until very tender. Drain and let cool slightly. As soon as they are cool enough to handle, peel them and rice them into a large bowl. Cool completely.
4. Add the egg,flour and parsley and mix well (hands preferred!). Season with salt and pepper. Put the mixture on a slightly floured board and knead until smooth dough. Divide into 12 even portions.
5. Shape each portion into a ball, and flatten on the palm of your hand. Each ball should be about 4 inches.
6. Put a tablespoon of picadillo in the center of the ball and pinch edges together to seal. Smooth the packet into a round ball, and seal any cracks. Roll the balls in breadcrumbs to coat.
7. Fry the balls in the olive oil until deep brown, about 6-8 minutes. Drain on a cooling rack.
8. Serve immediately, or keep warm in a 250°F oven for up to 20 minutes.