Potato Smileys

Category: Snacks
Preparation Time: 10 mins + 1 hr resting time
Cooking Time: 20 mins
Servings: 3-4 servings

Potato Smileys:)

These home made potato smileys will surely bring a huge smiles on our little ones' faces. The flavorings can be adjusted as per our taste. For Indian flavor, we can use any Spice Masala and Ginger Garlic paste instead of Italian seasoning. I add cheese since  kids like it, I guess we can omit it if making with spices.

Ingredients:

• Potato - 4-5 small sized ones / 2 big ones
• Cheese - 1 slice
• Corn starch / Corn flour - 3-4 tbsp (as needed)
• Bread crumbs - 1-2 tbsp
• Italian Seasoning - to taste
• Pepper powder - to taste
• Salt - as required
• Oil - for deep frying

Method:

1. In a pan, boil the potato with skin till it gets cooked (I didn't pressure cook since that will make them so soft)
2. Peel off the skin from the cooked potatoes and mash / grate them in a mixing bowl
   
   
   
   
3. To the mashed potato, add the cheese, Italian seasoning, pepper powder and salt; mix well until they all gets combined
4. Now add the bread crumbs to it and mix well
5. Then add the Corn flour, 1 tbsp at a time and knead well to form a soft dough
   
6. Refrigerate the dough for atleast 30 mins to 1 hour (We can also keep it overnight)
7. After refrigeration, make equal sized balls out of it 
8. Flatten the balls to a little thick circular discs
9. Using straw / back of a clean pencil, make two holes for the eyes
   
10. Using the spoon, make a smile on them :)
    
11. Heat oil in a wok (enough for deep frying) and once it becomes hot, add the prepared smileys in batches and deep fry them in medium high flame; by flipping it half way through for even frying
    
    
    
    
12. It may take around 3-5 mins per batch and once the sizzling sound subsides and they all turned golden brown, take it out and drain the excess oil
    
13. Serve hot:)