Popular Vegetarian Alcapurrias: Crispy Potato Fritters

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, crispy fritters filled with spiced potatoes and peas, a beloved Puerto Rican street food reimagined for vegetarians. This puerto rican-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs medium, peeled and diced potatoes, thawed frozen green peas, chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 8 Puerto Rican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil 2 medium peeled and diced potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes until fork-tender; drain and mash until smooth. Add 1/4 cup chopped onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 cup thawed green peas; mix until combined.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 cup water to form a smooth batter. Fold the batter into the potato mixture until fully incorporated and holds together when pressed.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (use a thermometer). Drop 1.5 tbsp portions of the mixture into the oil, flattening each slightly into a round. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, turning once.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular Vegetarian Alcapurrias: Crispy Potato Fritters take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Popular Vegetarian Alcapurrias: Crispy Potato Fritters?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thawed frozen green peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Popular Vegetarian Alcapurrias: Crispy Potato Fritters?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Popular Vegetarian Alcapurrias: Crispy Potato Fritters for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Popular Vegetarian Alcapurrias: Crispy Potato Fritters vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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