Australian Busters are a delicious and versatile snack or breakfast option. These golden, crispy patties are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to eat, a side dish for a hearty meal, or a snack to share with friends, Australian Busters deliver on taste and texture. This article provides a step-by-step guide to making these delightful treats, including ingredients, preparation tips, and nutritional information.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (about 600g), boiled and mashed
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup plain flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk (optional, for adjusting texture)
For Cooking:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter (for frying)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley or chives
- 1/4 cup diced cooked bacon
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (sautéed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Mixture
- Boil the potatoes: Peel and cut the potatoes into chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain well.
- Mash the potatoes: Mash the potatoes while they are still warm, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add seasonings and cheese: Mix in grated cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any optional add-ins like parsley, bacon, or onion.
Step 2: Form the Patties
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Gradually add this mixture to the mashed potatoes.
- Add eggs: Stir in the beaten eggs to form a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of milk to adjust the texture.
- Shape the patties: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form it into a round, flat patty. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 3: Cook the Busters
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil or butter in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry the patties: Place the patties in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Remove the cooked patties from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Tips for Success
- Use starchy potatoes: Varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold work best as they create a fluffier texture.
- Avoid overmixing: Overworking the potato mixture can make the patties dense.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the potato mixture before shaping the patties to ensure it’s seasoned to your liking.
- Keep it crispy: Fry the patties over medium heat to ensure a golden crust without burning.
- Customize flavors: Add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Serving Size: 1 patty (based on 12 patties)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugars: 1g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
Why You’ll Love Australian Busters
Australian Busters are incredibly versatile. They’re perfect as a standalone snack, paired with a dollop of sour cream or ketchup, or served as a side dish for soups, salads, or grilled meats. Their crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, they’re easy to make with pantry staples and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Add grated zucchini or carrots for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy: Mix in chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour.
- Herbaceous: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Arrange the cooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.
Conclusion
Australian Busters are a simple yet satisfying dish that can be made in under an hour. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or a side dish, these crispy potato patties are sure to impress. With their golden exterior, creamy interior, and customizable flavors, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and start cooking up a batch of Australian Busters today!