Crispy Pilchard Potato Bites

Serves 40

Hands-on time: 15 minutes

Hands-off time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENTS

2 tin (400g) Lucky Star Pilchards in Sweet Chilli sauce

2 cups leftover mashed potatoes, cold

2 medium eggs

½ cup cake flour

2 cups grated mozzarella cheese

1 tbsp Moroccan spice or paste

½ tsp each salt and pepper, optional

1½ cups fine bread crumbs

Serving Suggestions:

Mayonnaise

Chopped coriander

Lemon wedges

Moroccan dip

METHOD

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C with the top and bottom heat on. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.

2. Add the pilchards from the Lucky Star Pilchards in Sweet Chilli Sauce into a large mixing bowl and remove the bones. Set the sweet chilli sauce aside until needed to make a dipping sauce.*Chef’s Tip: Any Lucky Star tinned Pilchard flavour can be used.

3. Use the back of a fork to crush the pilchards into smaller pieces.*Chef’s Tip: The bones from the pilchards can be removed if preferred.

4. To the pilchards, add the cold mashed potatoes, 1 egg, cake flour, cheese, Moroccan spice or paste and salt and pepper. Use a wooden spoon to mix until a dough forms.

5. Scoop 1 tablespoon of the dough between your hands and roll it into a neat ball. Repeat until you have about 40 balls.*Chef’s Tip: Rub 1 teaspoon of oil on your hands to stop the dough from sticking when rolling.

6. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs onto a plate and beat the remaining egg in a small bowl. Coat the balls in the beaten egg before rolling them through the breadcrumbs. Arrange the coated balls onto the prepared baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.*Chef’s Tip: The pilchard potato balls can also be made in the airfryer!

7. In the meantime, mix the sweet chilli sauce from the pilchards tin with mayonnaise in a small dipping bowl and place it on a large serving platter.

8. Place the baked potato bites onto a platter with Moroccan dip if using. Garnish with chopped coriander and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve and ENJOY!