Colombian Style Stuffed Potatoes (Papas Rellenas Colombianas)

Ingredients

• 5 medium potatoes 
• 0.3 teaspoon salt 
• 10 servings vegetable oil for frying

Equipment

• bowl
• paper towels
• sauce pan
• whisk
• pot
• slotted spoon

Directions

1. Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks, put them in a medium pot and cover with water and ¼ teaspoon of salt.Bring the potatoes to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until fork tender about 20 minutes.
2. Drain the potatoes and mash with a fork or masher and set aside.Prepare the filling, in a large sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat and add the onion, tomato, scallions, garlic, cumin, azafran, pepper and salt. Cook for 5 minutes or until the onions are translucent, add the beef and cook stirring occasionally about 10 – 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.In a medium bowl place all the batter ingredients and whisk until smooth and set aside.Divide the potato mash into 10 equal sized portions, about 1/3 cup each, and form each portion into a ball by rolling between the palms of your hands. Flatten into patties and place 1 ½ tablespoons of the filling in the center of each one. Shape the potato mixture with the filling into balls to enclose the filling completely.Fill a large heavy pot with vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat to 360° F.Dip the stuffed potato into the batter and carefully place them in the hot oil and fry for about 4 minutes or until golden, turning over halfway through.
3. Remove the potatoes from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain in a plate with paper towels.
4. Transfer to a serving plate and serve with Ají.