Ingredients:
2 cups mashed potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1 large egg

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp fresh herbs (like chives or parsley), chopped (optional)

Oil for frying (such as vegetable or olive oil)

PREPARATION:

Prepare Mashed Potatoes:
If you don’t have leftover mashed potatoes, peel and boil the potatoes until tender. Drain and mash them until smooth. Let them cool slightly.

Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs. Mix until well combined. The mixture should hold together; add more flour if needed.

Form Cakes:
Scoop about 1/4 cup of the mixture and shape it into a patty. Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing the formed cakes on a plate.

Heat Oil:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. You can test the heat by dropping a small piece of the mixture into the oil; it should sizzle.

Fry the Cakes:
Carefully add the potato cakes to the skillet in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.

Drain and Serve:
Once cooked, transfer the cakes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with sour cream, applesauce, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious homemade potato cakes as a side dish or a tasty snack!