Potato Balls (Rellenos De Papa)(Puerto Rican Dish)
Potato Balls filled with savory meat and ham, coated in cornstarch, then fried to golden perfection. A delicious Puerto Rican dish perfect for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. potatoes, peeled and quartered ⓘ
- 8 c. water ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- vegetable oil ⓘ
- salt pork ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp. vinegar
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 lb. ground beef or pork ⓘ
- 2 oz. chopped ham ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 3 sweet chili peppers, seeded ⓘ
- 1 onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 6 stuffed olives ⓘ
- 1 tsp. capers ⓘ
Instructions
- Boil potatoes until soft; drain.
- Add butter and whip well.
- Add egg, salt, cornstarch, and cool.
- Divide the potato mixture into 12 parts.
- Make a potato ball from each part and roll in cornstarch.
- Make a hole in the center of each ball and fill with the prepared meat mixture.
- Close the potato ball around the filling, then roll again in cornstarch.
- Fry the potato balls until brown, about 10 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: sauté ground beef or pork with chopped ham, green pepper, chili peppers, onion, garlic, olives, and capers.
- Add tomato sauce, vinegar, salt, and cook on medium heat.
- Turn to low heat, cover, and cook for 30 minutes.
- For pork: sauté salt pork and cook for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, consider adding some cream cheese to the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms and additional vegetables. Ensure to season well and taste as you go. Using leftover mashed potatoes can save time, making this dish even quicker to prepare.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these potato balls as a delightful appetizer or a main dish alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. They pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce or a side of guacamole. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them with rice or alongside a creamy beef stroganoff for a satisfying combination.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover potato balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through, which helps maintain their crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Potato Balls (Rellenos De Papa)(Puerto Rican Dish) contains roughly 1129 calories, with 18g protein, 212g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat filling a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you are ready to assemble the potato balls. Just make sure to let the filling cool before stuffing it into the potato mixture to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
What can I use instead of salt pork?
If you don’t have salt pork, you can use bacon or smoked sausage for a similar flavor. Alternatively, for a healthier option, use turkey bacon or omit it altogether and enhance the dish with more spices or herbs to maintain flavor.
Can I freeze the potato balls?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked potato balls. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).