Affectionately dubbed “Portuguese tater tots” by our testers, we can’t get enough of these pillowy nuggets of potato-y heaven. They’re the ideal cocktail party or dinner party nibble because who can resist sausage and potato in a deep-fried, three-bite, handheld package? We certainly can’t.–Angie Zoobkoff
Chouriço and Potato Balls
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set a large saucepan almost filled with water over high heat and bring to a boil. Season generously with salt, add the potatoes, and cook until tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and set aside until cooled. Peel off the skins and mash the flesh with a fork.
- In a medium skillet set over medium heat, warm the oil. Stir in the onions and cook until softened, 7 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the chouriço and continue cooking until the onions caramelize, 7 to 10 minutes longer.
- In a large bowl, mix together the mashed potatoes and sautéed chouriço and onions. Stir in the breadcrumbs and egg. Shape the mixture into walnut-size balls and chill for 30 minutes.
- Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pan one-third full with vegetable oil and heat it to 355°F (180°C), or until a cube of bread sizzles and turns golden brown almost immediately. Fry the balls in small batches until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe Testers’ Reviews
Portuguese tater tots! These chouriço and potato balls are little bites of heaven. I did not expect to like these as much as I did. They are very much like the Spanish croquettes you may get in a tapas restaurant—but better. This would be great as an appetizer and I would add a nice glass of Alvarinho or a wine spritz next time to accompany.
The outer edges were just crisp, not overly breadcrumbed. The inside was very well seasoned, with each ingredient important on its own. Unfortunately, we could not source the Portuguese chouriço so I had to substitute Spanish chorizo, which worked incredibly well.
I made 34 balls. If I added too much potato, or made the balls too small, it doesn’t matter as the result would still be a winner. The ratios definitely have wiggle room in this recipe as it produces such great flavor. I think these would freeze well, too. This is a keeper.
These chouriço and potato balls are like little pieces of heaven. They’re a perfect appetizer for any get-together.
Not difficult to pull together, they can easily be prepared up to the point of frying early in the day, left in the refrigerator, and fried when you’re ready. I found that once they’re fried, if you place them on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet versus on paper towels they stay crisp and hold nicely in an oven set at about 175°F until ready to serve.
These chouriço and potato balls make a nice little snack for those days when you have an hour and a half to make a snack. It would also make nice hors d’oeuvres for a party when the average sausage ball will not do.
The caramelized onions enhance the flavors of the chorizo and potatoes. I boiled the potatoes earlier in the day and allowed them to cool before mashing.
David, I live in the Algarve (Tavira), and I’ve never seen these here in the south. Where are they from please and what is the Portuguese name for them? They look delicious. Maybe I’ll try making these for my birthday on July 4th. Can you also tell me please, what type of potato to use? Obviously, russets aren’t available here. Should I use batatas para fritar ou para cozinhar? Thank you.
Karen, I absolutely LOVE Tavira. One of my favorite places in the Algarve. This is from a Lisboeta chef named Nino Mendes. This is his creation–a meat version of pastéis de bacalhau. He calls it bolinhas de chouriço com batata. I would use batatas para cozinhar.
Thank you. I’m going to try them for the Fourth. I should have asked: Can these be done ahead like bolas bacalhau?
KarenJ, none of us had tried making them ahead of time, but I don’t think it would be a problem.
I’ll let you know!
Great!
What would you suggest to serve with them? A dip? A sauce? And if they were served for dinner, with what? Thank you.
Louise, you could serve them with one of my milk mayonnaises. But these are pre-dinner nibbles, what the Portuguese call petiscos. You wouldn’t have them as a meal. If you’re looking for a menu, I would suggest this cataplana as a main and this orange cake for dessert, if you want to keep to a portuguese theme.
This recipe sounds delicious. Has anyone tried these in an air fryer?
Amy, no we didn’t try it that way. But if you do, we’d love to know your experience!