Tuna and Potato Meatballs (Polpette di Tonno e Patate) Recipe
Category: Appetizers
Servings: 15 pieces
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Canned Tuna in Brine | 110g |
| Potatoes | 650g |
| Fresh Thyme | To taste |
| Fresh Sage | To taste |
| Fine Salt | To taste |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Lemon Zest | 1 |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Breadcrumbs | 150g |
| Sunflower Oil (for frying) | As needed |
Instructions
To prepare these delicious tuna and potato meatballs, start by boiling the potatoes. Place them in a pot with cold water and bring them to a gentle boil. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes. To check for doneness, pierce them with a fork—if the tines slide through easily, the potatoes are cooked. Once ready, drain and peel the potatoes. Using a potato masher or fork, mash them in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Allow them to cool slightly.
While the potatoes are cooling, finely chop the fresh thyme and sage. When the mashed potatoes are no longer hot, add the canned tuna (drained and flaked) to the bowl. Next, incorporate the freshly chopped herbs, a pinch of fine salt, and black pepper to taste. Zest the lemon and add it to the mixture for a refreshing citrus note.
Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take small portions of the mixture, roughly 25g each, and roll them into balls. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then dip each meatball into the beaten eggs to coat them evenly. After that, roll them in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are well-coated.
For frying, heat the sunflower oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 170°C (338°F). Once the oil is hot enough, gently drop a few meatballs into the oil at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs for about 3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden and crisp on the outside. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the meatballs from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Continue frying the remaining meatballs, then serve them hot, crispy, and flavorful! Enjoy your tuna and potato meatballs as an appetizer, perfect for any occasion.
These tender and crispy tuna and potato meatballs are full of flavor, with the herb-infused mix offering a perfect balance to the rich tuna. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a comforting snack, these meatballs are sure to impress.
