Jalapeno Cheese Balls

Ingredients

• 1 fresh jalapeno
• 50 grams mozzarella cheese
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled, peeled and grated 
• Salt to taste 
• Crushed black peppercorns to taste 
• ½ cup refined flour 
• 1 cup dried breadcrumbs
• Oil for deep-frying
• Tomato ketchup for serving

Method

1. Grate mozzarella cheese in a bowl.
2. Discard the stem, deseed and finely chop jalapeno, add to grated cheese and mix well.
3. Divide the cheese-jalapeno mixture into small equal portions, shape into balls and place on a plate.
4. Mix together potatoes, salt and crushed peppercorns in a bowl. 
5. Divide the potato mixture into equal portions. Make a cavity in the center of each portion, place one jalapeno-cheese ball, cover and shape into balls. 
6. Mix together flour, salt and crushed peppercorns in some water to make a semi-thick and smooth slurry.
7. Mix breadcrumbs, salt and crushed peppercorns on another plate. 
8. Dip each jalapeno-cheese ball in slurry, coat with breadcrumb mixture and place on another plate.  Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes.
9. Heat sufficient oil in a kadai. Put the jalapeno-cheese balls and deep-fry till golden brown and crisp. Drain on absorbent paper.
10. Serve hot with tomato ketchup.