Leftover potato patties, known in different Latin American countries by various names such as potato croquettes, mashed potato patties, or simply potato patties, are a delicious way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. This dish has its roots in the culinary practice of reusing food to avoid waste, something highly valued in traditional home cooking.
In Mexico, they are commonly called "tortitas de papa," while in countries like Argentina and Uruguay, they resemble "potato croquettes" or "potato tortillas" (although the latter is usually more similar to a Spanish tortilla). In Chile and other regions, they are also prepared under different names but always with a base of mashed potatoes as the main ingredient. It is a very popular dish for its simplicity and flavor, ideal for using up leftover mashed potatoes and preventing waste.