Mashed Potato Balls with Horseradish
MASALA ALOO BHARA
-Recipe from Yamuna mataji
Horseradish, a pungent tap root, is used primarily in Bengali and
orissan cuisines, though occasionally elsewhere. You can find the roots
at Oriental and Indian grocery stores and some times even in
supermarkets. Peel off the brownish skin and finely grate the outer
part; discard the tough woody core. Since you are likely to use
only a little at a time, you can freeze the unused portion in plastic
bags for up to two months. At room temperature, freshly ground
horseradish loses its “punch” with in eight hours. In England, and in
some American gourmet shops, plain grated horseradish is sold in small
bottles.
This side dish is meant to be nose-tingling and buttery. It is served
in smooth balls, 2 or 3 per person, at room temperature, with a wedge
of lime. If you are considering a full-course Bengali meal, do give
this delightful potato dish a try. It is also delicious for breakfast,
spread on whole grain toast sprinkled with shredded cheese and broiled.
Preparation time (after assembling ingredients): a few minutes
Serves: 6 or 7
3 large baking potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds/685 g) freshly ash-or oven-baked of freshly boiled or steamed
4-5 table spoons (60-75 ml) unsalted butter
2-3 teaspoons (10-15 ml) grated fresh horseradish
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
1/8 teaspoon (0.5 ml) freshly ground white pepper
1/8 teaspoon (0.5 ml) paprika or cayenne pepper
6 or 7 lime wedges, preferably key lime
1.
Cut and scoop out the warm baked potatoes, or peel the skins from
boiled or steamed potatoes. Mash with a potato masher or force through
a food mill or potato ricer. Add the butter, horseradish, salt and
white pepper, and mash with a fork until well blended. Ket cool to room
temperature.
2. Divide into 12-15 portions and
roll between buttered palms into smooth balls. Sprinkle with paprika or
cayenne and serve at room temperature with lime wedges.
Note:
This dish may be assembled up to 6 hours before serving, kept covered
and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving.