The potato is one of the most versatile and widely consumed foods in Latin America, with a history dating back thousands of years in the Andean region, especially in Peru and Bolivia, where it was first domesticated. Over time, each country has developed its own recipes and ways of preparing this tuber. In Mexico, for example, it is commonly known as "papa," while in countries like Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay the same term is used. In Central American countries, such as Costa Rica or Guatemala, it is also called "papa" and is a main ingredient in many traditional recipes, from mashes to fries.
Appetizers made from potatoes are common throughout the region and have different names depending on the presentation and additional ingredients. For example, "papas rellenas" (stuffed potatoes) in Peru are very popular, while in Colombia "croquetas de papa" (potato croquettes) are a beloved variant. This diversity shows the importance of the potato in Latin American cuisine and how its flavor and texture allow for the creation of delicious and nutritious dishes.
How to Prepare Potato Appetizers
To prepare these simple and delicious potato appetizers, start by peeling and chopping the potatoes.
Place the chopped potatoes in a pot and cover them with water.
Boil until the potatoes are soft.
Mash the cooked potatoes with a little olive oil and then add salt, pepper, and chives to taste.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius.
Shape the potato mixture into balls approximately 2.5 centimeters in diameter.
In a separate dish, mix the paprika with the wheat germ.
Roll the potato balls in this mixture until they are completely coated.
Place the balls on a previously greased baking tray.
Bake at 190 degrees Celsius for approximately 20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Finally, let the appetizers rest on folded paper towels before serving them with toothpicks for easy consumption.
