Llapingachos (Ecuadorian Potato Patties)

Crispy cheese-stuffed potato patties — Ecuador''s beloved street food.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or queso fresco
• 1 small onion, grated
• Salt, pepper, cumin
• Oil for frying
• Serve with: fried egg, avocado, curtido (pickled onion salad), peanut sauce

Method

1. Mix mashed potatoes with onion, salt, pepper, cumin.

2. Form into patties. Press a spoonful of cheese into the center, seal closed.

3. Pan-fry in oil 3 min per side until golden and crispy.

4. Serve with fried egg, avocado, and peanut sauce.

What You're Practicing

• The cheese melts inside as the patty fries — a molten surprise in every bite.
• Same concept as Italian arancini (stuffed rice balls) — a crispy shell hiding a melty center.