Begedil (Fried Potato Cutlet)

Is it perkedel or begedil? My hubby asked. These are both. The Indonesians call this perkedel but the Javanese call these begedil. And since the Javanese introduced this dish to Singapore and Malaysia, we call it begedil in Singapore.

This must be my favourite dish at the Malay nasi padang stall. Almost always order this. It is a simple dish and it is believed that the Indonesians borrowed the idea from the Dutch frikadeller, which is a form of minced meatball.

Begedil or Perkedel has become such a part of Singapore, it is almost impossible for anyone staying/living in the country to not know this.

My version is the simplest I know of. Made with only potatoes, fried shallots, salt and pepper. I added a little bit of dried prawns just to lift the taste. Other ingredients like minced pork/beef/chicken, juice pulp, any kind of vegetables like corn, peas, carrots, can all be added, as and when you feel like it, or as and when you have them in your kitchen.

Cut the potatoes into wedges and fried till golden brown

Like this, is fine.

Mash till the potatoes are fine. I like mine finer so that it is easier to handle later.

Pound the dried prawns and add that to the potato mixtures with fried shallots, salt and pepper.

Remember to freeze the patties first before frying or they might disintegrate in the oil. Coat it generously with egg before frying.