Step 1

Place the potatoes and 1 tablespoon of salt in a large pot of water and boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium and continue to boil until potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2

Strain potatoes and put them back into the pot. Add butter, 1 tablespoon salt, garlic, if using, and paprika. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes. Mix well until all the ingredients are well combined and potatoes have a whipped consistency. Sprinkle in cheese and combine. Taste and add salt if needed.

Step 3

Heat corn tortillas until soft and pliable or on a hot griddle to prevent cracking. Lay tortilla flat and fill half with about 2 tablespoons of the mashed potatoes. Fold in half. Continue until all the tortillas have been filled.

Step 4

Meanwhile heat the canola oil in a frying pan until very hot. Test oil by dipping an edge of the tortilla in the oil, if it sizzles it’s ready for the tacos.

Step 5

Using tongs, carefully place about 3 to 4 tacos into the hot oil. If available, cover with a splatter screen to avoid the hot oil from splattering. Fry for about 2 minutes, just until tortilla looks crunchy, turn over and fry the other side.

Step 6

Remove tacos from the oil and place on a paper-towel lined plate to drain. Continue to fry the rest of the tacos.

Step 7

Serve tacos with toppings of your choice, such as shredded iceberg lettuce, cheese, and salsa of choice.