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Chewy Potato balls with a Curry Satay sauce

Chinese

These bouncy, chewy potato balls are made with just a handful of ingredients, then tossed in a spicy, savoury sauce loaded with garlic, chilli, curry powder, satay and peanut butter. The snack you didn't know you needed, I can see why they went viral 👀

Recipe Stats

Cooking time

39 minutes

Serves

2

Difficulty

Easy

Spice

Mild

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Chewy Potato balls with a Curry Satay sauce

Ingredients

2 servings

for the potato balls

for the spicy sauce

to serve

Notes

Some secret knowledge

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Possible Substitutions

  • Potato starch: Tapioca starch can be used, which is what I used when testing this recipe, but I recommend potato starch for the best chewy, bouncy texture. Cornstarch can also be used if you can't find potato starch but it might not be as chewy.
  • Gochugaru: Use kashmiri chilli or extra chilli powder if you don't have gochugaru, however gochugaru gives a slightly fruity, rounded chilli flavour rather than spicy!
  • Chinese BBQ sauce: Peanut satay sauce or another Chinese-style satay sauce can be used.
  • Peanut butter: For a nut-free version, tahini can work.
  • Black vinegar: Rice vinegar can be substituted, although black vinegar gives the sauce a deeper, more complex tang.
  • MSG: Optional, but it adds an extra savoury depth to the sauce.
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Things to Keep in Mind

  • Mash the potato until completely smooth: Any lumps can make the dough difficult to roll and give you uneven potato balls.
  • Add the starch gradually: Potato varieties contain different amounts of moisture, so you may need slightly more or less than the stated amount.
  • Don't overwork the dough: Mix and knead just enough for everything to come together into a smooth dough.
  • Keep the potato balls a similar size: This ensures they cook evenly and all have that same bouncy texture.
  • Don't skip the cold-water bath: It stops the cooking process and helps give the potato balls their chewy, springy texture.
Fridge

Storage

  • Best enjoyed fresh: These potato balls have the best chewy, bouncy texture when freshly cooked and sauced.
  • Fridge: Store leftover cooked potato balls and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Sauce: If you have leftover sauce, store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of hot water and mix well before using.
  • Freezing: I don't recommend freezing the cooked potato balls.

Method

prepare the mashed potato

Peel and chop the potato into evenly sized chunks.

Add to a pot of boiling water and cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until completely fork tender.

Drain well, then pass the potato through a potato ricer or mash thoroughly by hand until completely smooth and lump-free.

make the dough

Add a pinch of salt to the mashed potato.

Gradually add the potato starch, mixing as you go, until a soft dough forms.

Start with 70g and add more starch in small increments as needed. You want a dough that comes together easily and isn't overly sticky.

form the potato balls

Divide the dough into small, evenly sized portions.

Roll each piece between your palms to form small balls.

Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

cook the potato balls

Bring a pot of water to a boil.

Carefully add the potato balls and boil for approximately 4 minutes, or until they begin to float to the surface.

Once cooked, transfer them immediately to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process and help them become extra bouncy and chewy.

Drain well before saucing.

make the spicy sauce

Add the minced garlic, spring onion, sesame seeds, curry powder, chilli powder and gochugaru to a heatproof bowl.

Carefully pour the hot oil over the aromatics and spices.

Add the soy sauce, sugar, black vinegar, peanut butter, Chinese satay sauce and MSG.

Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust to your liking.

coat the potato balls

Add the drained potato balls to a large bowl.

Pour over the spicy sauce and toss gently until every potato ball is coated.

garnish & serve

Finish with fresh chives, coriander and a drizzle of chilli oil.

Serve immediately while the potato balls are still bouncy and chewy.

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