Crispy Potato Flautas

Step 1

Cut the russet potatoes into quarters—they should be roughly golf-ball sized pieces so they cook evenly and quickly.

Step 2

Place the potato pieces in a medium pot and cover them completely with cold water by about 1 inch.

Step 3

Set the pot to high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil—you'll see big bubbles breaking the surface constantly.

Step 4

Once boiling, lower the heat to medium-high and simmer until the potatoes are completely tender when pierced with a fork, about 12 minutes.

Step 5

Drain the potatoes in a colander and return them to the pot.

Step 6

Mash the warm potatoes with a potato masher until no lumps remain and the texture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 7

Stir the shredded cheese, 0.5 teaspoon of ground cumin, salt, and pepper into the mashed potatoes until evenly mixed.

Step 8

Lay one flour tortilla flat on the cutting board and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the potato mixture in a thick line down the center of the tortilla.

Step 9

Roll the tortilla tightly away from you—similar to rolling a burrito—tucking in the sides as you go until it forms a tight cylinder.

Step 10

Repeat with the remaining 7 tortillas and potato filling, arranging each finished flauta seam-side down on a plate.

Step 11

Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and slides quickly when you tilt the pan, about 90 seconds.

Step 12

Carefully place 4 flautas into the hot oil seam-side down, leaving space between each one so they can brown evenly.

Step 13

Fry for about 2 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown and crispy, then use tongs to carefully turn each flauta over.

Step 14

Fry the other side for 1–2 minutes until it is also deep golden brown and crispy.

Step 15

Transfer the cooked flautas to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 16

Repeat steps 11–15 with the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of oil and the 4 remaining flautas.

Step 17

Arrange all 8 flautas on a serving plate and top with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro.