If you love potatoes, you’re in for a treat. There’s a new way to enjoy this versatile and delicious vegetable that’s taking the internet by storm. They’re called potato pillows, and they’re like fried gnocchi, but so much better. Here’s everything you need to know about this crunchy and creamy snack that will make you forget about french fries and potato chips.
What are potato pillows and how are they made?
Potato pillows are small dumplings made from boiled and mashed potatoes mixed with a starchy binder like glutinous rice flour or corn starch. They’re shaped into classic gnocchi-like pieces with a fork, and then deep-fried twice to achieve a crispy crust and a soft interior. They’re also vegan and gluten-free, making them a great option for people with dietary restrictions.
The recipe for potato pillows was invented and shared by a popular TikTok account, @msshiandmrhe, in a viral video that has amassed over 10 million likes to date. The video shows how to make potato pillows using some ingenious hacks, such as slicing a circle around the potatoes before boiling them to easily peel off the skin, and using a garlic press to mash the potatoes into an aerated dough. The video also suggests some toppings and dips for the potato pillows, such as chili powder, ketchup, cheese, or butter and sage sauce.
Why are potato pillows better than gnocchi?
Gnocchi are also potato-based dumplings that originated in Italy and are typically boiled and served with various sauces. However, potato pillows have some advantages over gnocchi that make them more appealing and satisfying.
First of all, potato pillows are easier to make than gnocchi. Gnocchi require eggs and wheat flour, which can make the dough sticky and hard to work with. Potato pillows only need potatoes and a starchy binder, which create a cohesive and smooth dough that’s easy to shape and cut.
Secondly, potato pillows are more flavorful and textured than gnocchi. Gnocchi are often bland and mushy, especially if they’re overcooked or undercooked. Potato pillows are double-fried to create a crunchy exterior and a creamy interior that contrast each other perfectly. They also retain their shape better than gnocchi, which can fall apart or become soggy when boiled.
Thirdly, potato pillows are more versatile and customizable than gnocchi. Gnocchi are usually limited to Italian-style sauces, such as tomato, pesto, or cheese. Potato pillows can be enjoyed with any kind of topping or dip that you like, from spicy to sweet, from savory to tangy. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes or starches to create different flavors and textures.
How to enjoy potato pillows at home?
If you want to try making potato pillows at home, you can follow the simple recipe from @msshiandmrhe on TikTok, or check out this article from Tasting Table that explains the steps in detail. You’ll need two large russet potatoes, some glutinous rice starch or corn starch, salt, pepper, oil for frying, and any toppings or dips of your choice.
The basic steps are as follows:
- Cut a circle around the potatoes and boil them in water until tender.
- Peel off the skin and mash the potatoes using a garlic press or a similar tool.
- Add the starch, salt, and pepper and knead the dough into a ball.
- Roll the dough into long cylinders and cut them into inch-thick slices.
- Use a fork to make indentations on both sides of each slice.
- Fry the slices in small batches over medium heat for five minutes, then over high heat for 30 seconds.
- Drain the excess oil on paper towels and sprinkle with more salt if needed.
- Enjoy your potato pillows with your favorite toppings or dips.
Potato pillows are the ultimate comfort food that will satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and creamy. They’re easy to make, delicious to eat, and fun to customize. Once you try them, you’ll never look at potatoes the same way again.