Garlic-Potato Croquettes

3 medium red potatoes (1lb) peeled and cooked
10 slices firm bread (thick is best)
4 cups warm water
1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 to 6 fresh Thai, serrano or cayenne chiles
3 large cloves garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garam masaala
Vegetable oil for deep-frying

1. Mash potatoes in medium bowl; set aside.
Dip bread slices into warm water just until
moist. Immediately remove slices and press
between palms of hands, squeezing the water
out completely. Add bread to potatoes.
2. Place cilantro and garlic in food processor.
Cover and process until finely ground. Add
to potato-bread mixture. Add salt and garam
masaala; mix well.
3. Knead potato-bread mixture in bowl 3 to 5 minutes
to form a compact slightly sticky dough.
4. Heat oil (2 or 3 inches) in wol or dutch oven
over medium-high heat until thermometer reads
350F.
5. Grease palms of hands with additional oil.
Divide dough into 18 pieces. Shape each piece
into a ball; flatten ball into 1/2 inch thick
patty. Set aside.
6. Carefully drop about half of the patties into
hot oil and fry 3 to 5 minutes, turning
occasionally until golden brown. Remove with
slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
7. Serve croquettes as is or with chutney.