Potato Corn Cakes

Ingredients

1 1/4 pounds russet potatoes, scrubbed

1 can (15 1/2 oz.) corn, drained $

2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (2 oz.) $

1/2 cup small-curd cottage cheese $

2 large eggs, beaten to blend $

1/3 cup minced green onions (including tops) $

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves

2 fresh jalapeño or other hot green chilies (about 2 oz. total), rinsed, stemmed, seeded, and diced

2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal

1 tablespoon ground cumin

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper About

2 teaspoons salad oil

Preparation

1. In a 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat, bring about 4 quarts water to a boil. Add whole potatoes and cook until tender when pierced, 20 to 30 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water until cool enough to handle; peel and grate (or press through a food mill or ricer).

2. In a large bowl, mix potatoes, corn, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, cornmeal, cumin, salt, and pepper until well blended.

3. Pour 1 teaspoon oil into a 10- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat; when hot, drop batter into pan in about 1/3-cup portions, and use a spoon to spread slightly into 3- to 4-inch cakes. Cook, turning once with a spatula, until cakes are browned on both sides and firm to the touch in the center, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to an ovenproof plate and keep warm in a 200° oven while you cook remaining cakes, adding more oil to pan as necessary.