CiberCuba Cocina
Potato drum | Photo © CiberCuba Cocina

Potato drum

Kitchen, Main dish

Preparation Time:
45
Note:
The Tambor de Papas is a very common recipe in Cuba, although in recent times finding potatoes has become quite complicated on the Island. In other recipes, we have discussed the properties of potatoes and the variety of types that exist for this tuber. For this preparation, it is best to use fresh potatoes, preferably those that are yellow on the inside, to achieve a firm puree. Here are the ingredients. As I always say, if you decide to make it at home, don't forget to share a photo with us on our social media.
Ingredients:

Ingredients for the picadillo

  • 500 g of ground meat
  • 1 onion
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of oil
  • Salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano to taste
  • Olives
  • ½ cup of tomato sauce

Ingredients for mashed potatoes

  • 8 potatoes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of grated cheese (optional)
Instructions:

Wash and peel the potatoes. Cut them into medium pieces and place them in a pot covered with water. Add salt and a bay leaf, and let it cook until the potatoes are soft.

Season the ground meat for the picadillo and set it aside.

In another pot, heat the oil. Add the well-crushed garlic, the onion diced in brunoise, and bell pepper if you like. Mix well, and when the onion begins to become translucent, add the ground meat.

Picadillo / CiberCuba Cooking

Mix all the ingredients well and finish seasoning with a bit of cumin and oregano. Add the olives, which usually provide a salty touch, and then adjust the salt to taste.

When the meat has lost its juices, add the tomato sauce, a pinch of sugar, and let it cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired thickness.

The picadillo should not be too juicy, as it may affect the plating and destroy the potato drum.

Drain the potatoes, remove the bay leaf, and prepare a puree. Add the butter, incorporating it gradually with the heat of the potatoes as you prepare the puree. You can use a blender whisk.

Mashed potatoes / CiberCuba Kitchen

It should result in a firm puree. You can add pepper if you like.

To assemble the Tambor de Papa, first place a layer of mashed potatoes. Make sure all layers are even and of similar thickness.

Preparing the Drum / CiberCuba Kitchen

Based on mashed potatoes, you have the option to add a layer of cheese. Then, put a thick layer of ground meat, and to finish, a layer of mashed potatoes.

You can use a transparent glass dish or a removable mold / CiberCuba Cocina

Cover it with grated cheese, and if you wish, you can take it to the oven to brown it or simply cover it and let the cheese melt with the heat of the mash.

If you mount the drum quickly, the heat from the mashed potatoes will be enough. But if you prefer, you can put it in the oven for 10 minutes at 180ºC. This recipe is served hot and is a main dish.

Potato drum with a drizzle of olive oil / CiberCuba Cocina

I hope you enjoy it. Bon appetite!

Rations:
4