Makes 4 Mega Tots (1 per serving)
Ingredients
- 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- canola oil to fill pot at least 2-3” deep
- 4 oz cheddar cheese cut into 1" cubes
Equipment
- box grater
- food thermometer
How-to
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Place peeled potatoes in a pot, cover with cold water and bring to a boil
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Once at a boil, let potatoes cook for about 20 minutes, until almost cooked through, but still slightly firm. The center should be a little hard. You do not want to cook them as much as you would for mashed potatoes
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Drain from water and cool the potatoes
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Shred the potatoes with a box grater. Season with salt and pepper and lightly toss with your hands
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Mix in the Parmesan cheese, also by hand
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Take one quarter of the potato mixture and make a flat patty in the palm of your hand. Place a cheddar cube in the center and press the potato around it to form the tot. Repeat to make 4 tots total
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Heat oil to 350º (to assure it is at the right temperature, use a clip-on thermometer)
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Carefully drop the tots into the oil and fry until golden brown. This will take about 4-6 minutes. Be sure that the oil does not rise above 350º as the tots will brown too quickly and the cheese will not have a chance to melt
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Remove from oil and place on a paper towel briefly to absorb excess oil
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Transfer to a plate and serve immediately
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