Jalapeno Potato Cheese Balls with Four Pepper Cheese Dip
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (Aloo), mashed & refrigerated | 2 cups |
| Britannia Cheese Cubes, cut into small pieces | 6 cubes |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 4 cloves |
| Pickled Jalapenos, finely chopped | 2 pieces |
| Parsley leaves, finely chopped | 3 sprigs |
| Whole Eggs, whisked | 2 eggs |
| Whole Wheat Bread Crumbs | 1 cup |
| Mixed Herbs (Dried) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower Oil | As required for frying |
For the Four Pepper Cheese Dip
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Britannia Four Pepper Tango Cheese Spread | 3 tablespoons |
| Hung Curd (Greek Yogurt) | 3 tablespoons |
| Parsley leaves, finely chopped | 2 sprigs |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Jalapeno Potato Cheese Balls
- Mash and Refrigerate the Potatoes: Begin by taking the pre-mashed and refrigerated potatoes and place them into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: To the mashed potatoes, add finely chopped pickled jalapenos, chopped parsley, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated.
- Form the Balls: Scoop out portions of the potato mixture and shape them into small, ping pong-sized balls. Flatten each ball slightly, then place a piece of chopped Britannia cheese cube in the center of each flattened ball. Carefully fold the mixture back over to enclose the cheese, reshaping it into a ball.
- Refrigerate: Place the prepared Jalapeno Potato Cheese Balls on a tray and refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 2: Coating the Cheese Balls
- Prepare the Herbed Bread Crumbs: In a separate plate, mix the dried herbs with the bread crumbs. Set aside.
- Egg Dip: Take the whisked eggs and place them in a shallow bowl.
- Coating Process: Once the cheese balls are chilled, dip each ball into the whisked eggs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then roll them over the herbed bread crumbs, ensuring each ball is fully covered with a nice, crispy coating.
Step 3: Cooking the Cheese Balls
- Heat the Pan: Place a kuzhi paniyaram pan (a specialty pan with cavities) on the stove and heat it over medium heat. Drizzle a little sunflower oil into each cavity.
- Pan Fry: Gently place the coated Jalapeno Potato Cheese Balls into each cavity and pan-fry them. Keep turning them around to ensure they are golden brown and crisp on all sides.
- Drain Excess Oil: Once the cheese balls are golden and crispy, remove them from the pan and drain them on oil-absorbent paper to remove any excess oil.
Step 4: Preparing the Four Pepper Cheese Dip
- Mix the Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, combine the Britannia Four Pepper Tango Cheese Spread, hung curd, finely chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
- Whisk Together: Whisk the ingredients together until you get a smooth, creamy dip. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Transfer and Serve: Transfer the prepared Four Pepper Cheese Dip into a small serving bowl.
Step 5: Serving
Serve the hot and crispy Jalapeno Potato Cheese Balls alongside the Four Pepper Cheese Dip for a delightful appetizer. These cheese balls make for a fantastic party snack, and they pair wonderfully with other dishes like a Classic Caesar Salad, Pumpkin Stew with Chickpeas, and Pistachio & Cranberry Broken Wheat Pilaf.
Chef’s Tips
- Customizing the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the number of pickled jalapenos in the potato mixture.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan alternative, you can replace the eggs with a flaxseed or chia seed substitute and use vegan cheese and curd for the dip.
- Baking Option: For a healthier twist, you can bake the cheese balls instead of pan-frying them. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the cheese balls on a lined baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway to ensure even browning.
Meal Pairing Suggestions
These crispy Jalapeno Potato Cheese Balls pair excellently with various sides and entrees for a complete meal experience. Consider the following dishes to create a delectable spread:
- Classic Caesar Salad: The creamy, tangy dressing of Caesar salad contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheese balls.
- Pumpkin Stew with Chickpeas: This hearty, flavorful stew adds warmth and a burst of nutrition to your meal.
- Pistachio & Cranberry Broken Wheat Pilaf: A festive, nutty, and slightly sweet pilaf makes for a wonderful, balanced accompaniment.
This recipe provides a balance of textures and flavors—from the crunchy outer layer of the cheese balls to the gooey cheese center, complemented by the tangy, spicy Four Pepper Cheese Dip. It’s the perfect party starter that will surely impress your guests!
