Rellenos de Papa [Puerto Rico]

Ingredients :

2 cups water

7 tablespoons margarine

salt and pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup milk

4 cups instant potato flakes

1 egg

3 tablespoons cornstarch (for dusting rellenos)

1 lb prepared ground beef, seasoned with sofrito sauce

oil (for frying)

Steps :

§    Bring water to a boil and remove from heat.

§    Add margarine, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and milk.

§    Stir until the margarine is melted.

§    Add the potato flakes.

§    The mixture should be pretty thick and dry.

§    Add a slightly beaten egg and mix well.

§    Let the potatoes sit to cool down.

§    Divide potato mixture into 6 balls.

§    Sprinkle corn starch on one hand and carefully spread one of the potato balls on your hand pushing down in the middle.

§    Place a tablespoon of prepared picadillo in the middle carefully folding the sides over the meat until it is completely sealed.

§    Roll the stuffed balls in corn starch - this will help keep the mixture together during frying.

§    Fry over medium-high heat until golden.