Gorditas de Papa (Potato Patties)

1 pound (about 2 medium) baking potatoes, peeled and cut into medium chunks
1/2 cup of crumbled cotija or mild feta cheese
2 tablespoons of masa harina (flour of corn tortillas)
2 large eggs, beaten
Salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

In a large saucepan, boil the potatoes in water to cover until they are tender.

Drain and mash the potatoes while they're hot. Then, cool them to lukewarm.

Add the cheese, the masa harina, the egg, the salt, and the pepper. Mix well.

Form the mixture into small round patties about 2-inches in diameter and 1/2-inch thick.

Put 1/4-inch of oil in a medium skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat and brown the patties, 3 or 4 at a time. Cook on both sides until the patties are crisp and brown.

Drain the patties on paper towel.

Serve with fresh salsa.