Boiled potatoes in their skins, stuffed and baked

Stuffed potatoes with mushrooms and ham, baked

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Total: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

A brief introduction

Stuffed potatoes are an excellent choice for a comforting dinner, full of savory flavors and textures. This recipe is a delicious combination of potatoes, mushrooms, ham, and cheese, all baked to achieve a golden and crispy crust, perfect for delighting family or friends. Sharing a note of nostalgia, this dish is often associated with family meals, being a wonderful way to gather loved ones around a table full of goodies.

Necessary ingredients

- 4 large white potatoes
- 200-250 g of mushrooms (canned or fresh)
- 6-8 cloves of garlic
- 150 g of white onion
- 100-150 g of butter
- 200 g of ham (preferably smoked)
- 150 g of grated cheese
- 150-200 g of liquid cream
- 1 red onion (for decoration)
- Cherry tomatoes (for decoration)
- Green onion (for decoration)
- Slices of fresh beetroot (for decoration)

Useful tips about ingredients

- Potatoes: Choose large, uniform potatoes that bake well. White potatoes have a creamy texture, ideal for stuffing.
- Mushrooms: If using fresh mushrooms, make sure to clean them well. Canned mushrooms are convenient, but don't forget to wash and drain them of excess water.
- Butter: This is the key ingredient that will add a rich flavor to the dish. You can use unsalted butter for better control over the salt.
- Ham: Choose a quality ham, preferably smoked, which will add extra flavor to the mix.

Step-by-step preparation of the recipe

1. Boiling the potatoes:
- Wash the 4 potatoes well and put them to boil in salted water. Boil for about 30 minutes, but check periodically with a fork to avoid overcooking, which can make them fall apart.
- Once boiled, drain the water and let them cool slightly.

2. Preparing the filling:
- Meanwhile, finely chop the white onion and garlic. The red onion will be used later for decoration.
- In a pan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until they become translucent.
- Add the washed, drained, and chopped mushrooms. Add the ham cut into thin strips and continue sautéing the mixture, stirring frequently, for another 5-7 minutes.
- At the end of cooking, add a splash of milk (about 100 ml) to achieve a creamy consistency. Keep the mixture on the heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Stuffing the potatoes:
- After the potatoes have cooled, cut them in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, being careful not to damage the skin.
- Add the scooped potato flesh to the pan, mixing it with the mushroom and ham filling. Incorporate the liquid cream, mixing well to achieve a homogeneous composition.

4. Baking:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Fill each half of the potato with the obtained mixture. Sprinkle grated cheese on top of each stuffed potato.
- Place the stuffed potatoes on a baking tray and put them in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese melts and becomes golden.

5. Finishing and serving:
- Once the potatoes are ready, take them out of the oven and decorate them with slices of red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, green onion, and slices of fresh beetroot for a colorful and appetizing appearance.
- If desired, add a few small shrimp, pre-cooked, quickly sautéing them in butter before placing them on top of the potatoes.

Serving suggestions

These stuffed potatoes can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer at a festive meal. A crunchy green salad with lemon dressing pairs perfectly alongside these delicious fillings. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine will complement the rich flavors of the dish perfectly.

Nutritional information

This recipe provides a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the ham and cheese, as well as fiber and vitamins from the vegetables. However, it is advisable to keep portion sizes in mind, considering the calorie content, which can vary on average between 350-450 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of mushrooms? Of course! Champignon, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms are excellent and add varied flavors.
- What can I use instead of cream? You can opt for Greek yogurt or a plant-based alternative to reduce calories.
- How can I customize the recipe? Experiment with different types of cheese, add fresh herbs or spices to give it a personal touch.

Possible variations

- Try adding vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the filling for extra texture and nutrients.
- You can transform the recipe into a vegetarian version by eliminating the ham and adding more vegetables or tofu.

Conclusion

This recipe for stuffed potatoes with mushrooms and ham is not only tasty but also comforting, perfect for any occasion. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner or a lunch with friends, it is sure to impress everyone. Experiment with the ingredients and find the perfect combination for your tastes! Enjoy your meal!