Potato-based recipes for Cyprus meatballs and borek

Various potato-based culinary recipes are highlighted, including Cyprus meatballs and potato borek.

Cyprus meatballs are prepared using 1 kilogram of grated potatoes mixed with 250 grams of medium-fat ground beef, one egg, breadcrumbs, grated onion, parsley, and spices such as salt, cumin, and mint. A key preparation step involves thoroughly squeezing the water out of the grated potatoes and onions to prevent a doughy texture. The mixture is shaped into ovals and fried in hot oil until golden.

Potato borek is a quick alternative involving bread dough filled with a mixture of boiled, mashed potatoes, basil, parsley, and spices including salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. The dough is layered over the filling, brushed with an olive oil and water mixture, topped with sea salt, and baked at 180 degrees Celsius until browned.