Mastel with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed (500g / 1.1lb) 4 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed (500g / 1.1lb)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
• 2 tablespoons butter (28g) 2 tablespoons butter (28g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• Vegetable oil for frying Vegetable oil for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally. This will take about 15-20 minutes.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chopped parsley to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring well to combine the flavors.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, caramelized onion mixture, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the beaten eggs and flour to the potato mixture, stirring continuously until a thick batter forms.
5. 5.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Drop spoonfuls of the potato batter into the hot oil, flattening them slightly with the back of the spoon. Cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
6. 6.
   Remove the Mastel from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. 7.
   Serve the Mastel hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender for easy mashing.
• Smoked paprika — Use high-quality smoked paprika to enhance the smoky flavor of the dish.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before adding it to the dish to retain its vibrant flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, you can add grated cheese to the potato mixture before frying.
• Serve the Mastel with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy touch.
• Experiment with different herbs such as thyme or dill to customize the flavor profile.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the caramelized onion mixture.
• Leftover Mastel can be reheated in a toaster oven for a quick and delicious snack.

Serving advice

Serve the Mastel as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. It can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled sausages.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Mastel on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley leaves. The golden brown color of the Mastel will be visually appealing, and the aroma of the caramelized onions will entice your guests.