Cuban Papas Rellenas
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1 large green bell pepper, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 package textured soy protein
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
2 teaspoons cumin
4 teaspoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon vinegar
4 large potatoes, peeled and boiled
1/2 teaspoon salt
oil or your favorite "egg wash" substitute
flour
dry breadcrumbs
oil for frying
Saute onion and bell pepper till translucent and limp. Add garlic and saute 2 min, then add textured soy protein, spices, tomato paste and vinegar. Cook till completely browned and set aside.
While preparing "meat" boil potatoes. When tender mash with salt and set aside to cool.
Grab a handful of potato and split in half. Shape into little bowls pressing in with fingers. Stuff both halves with "meat" and bring them together to form a smooth ball. It should look like an overstuffed golf ball. Dip ball into your wash then roll in flour till lightly covered. Dip ball into wash again and roll in breadcrumbs. Repeat. Place in frig for 2-4 hours.
In a frying pan place enough oil to cover half a ball. When heated, drop in balls for 2 min until golden. Turn and cook other halves. Remove and place on paper towel to cool slightly.
SO HOW'D IT GO?
These were really yummy. I used about a cup of TVP, and cornstarch + water for my egg wash. My husband & I dipped ours in enchilada sauce, the kids ate theirs with ketchup. Not the quickest dinner, but they were easy and fun to make. I'll definitely make these again.
I'm so happy that you put this recipe on vegweb. I love papas rellenas. I think that to make them a little more healthy I am going to use sweet potatoes instead of white. I do have one questions: How much TVP should I use? The recipe calls for one package but I buy it in bulk. thanks, Jeanette