Peruvian Potato Croquettes (Papas Rellenas Peruanas)

Instructions

1. Place the potatoes in a pot. Cover with cold water and season with salt. Bring to a boil. Simmer for 25 minutes or until tender. Drain and let cool. Peel the potatoes and return to the pot. Using a potato masher, purée the potatoes until smooth. Season with salt. Let cool while you prepare the next steps.
2. Meanwhile, in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, brown the chicken, onion and garlic in the butter. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the tomato and cook for 3 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. Add the parsley, raisins, olives and serrano pepper. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring. Adjust the seasoning. Remove from the heat and let cool. Add the eggs, if desired.
4. Divide the mashed potatoes into 6 equal portions (see note).
5. With floured hands, form each portion of mashed potatoes into an oval patty. At the centre of each patty, place 6 tbsp (90 ml) of the chicken mixture and fold the mashed potatoes over to seal in the filling. Form each patty into a shape similar to that of a large potato. Lightly flour. Place on a large plate and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
6. In a large, deep skillet, pour in a ¾-inch (2 cm) layer of oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Fry half of the croquettes at a time in the oil, gently turning them over until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Watch out for splattering. Keep warm on a plate lined with paper towels.