Double-baked potatoes, stuffed with cottage cheese and ham

Twice-baked potatoes stuffed with cottage cheese and ham

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today, I invite you to prepare a simple and tasty recipe, perfect for any occasion: twice-baked potatoes stuffed with cottage cheese and ham. This recipe is not only an excellent way to transform potatoes into a special dish but also an example of how simple ingredients can create a memorable meal.

Preparation time: 50 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Number of servings: 2

The history of this recipe is fascinating, as the potato has been a staple food in many cultures throughout history, becoming a symbol of comfort and home cooking. Baked potatoes have always been a popular choice, and the added filling gives them a personal and tasty touch.

Ingredients:
- 2 large potatoes (choose potatoes that are uniform in size for even baking)
- 100 g ham, diced (you can also use prosciutto or a mix of meats, depending on your preferences)
- 100 g cottage cheese (for a creamy texture, some prefer ricotta)
- 1 onion (choose a sweet onion for a more pleasant taste)
- 50 g grated cheese (you can replace it with mozzarella or a cheese blend)
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- Thyme (fresh or dried)

Helpful tips for ingredients:
- Potatoes: Choose russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, as they have a light texture and are ideal for baking.
- Ham: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as bacon or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Cottage cheese: If you prefer a stronger taste, you can also add feta or cheddar cheese.
- Spices: Feel free to add herbs like parsley or oregano for extra flavor.

Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water. Make sure to remove any impurities, as the skin will remain intact.

2. Using a fork, poke each potato in several places. This will help steam escape during baking and prevent the potatoes from bursting.

3. Place the potatoes on a baking tray and bake them in the oven for 30-40 minutes, depending on your oven's strength. Check if they are ready by inserting a fork; they should be soft inside.

4. Once the potatoes are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to cut and fill them.

5. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, being careful not to break the edge. Use a spoon to scoop out the potato flesh, leaving about a 1 cm edge.

6. Place the scooped flesh in a bowl. This will be the base of your filling!

7. Chop the onion finely and sauté it in a pan with a little oil for 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Add the diced ham and sauté them together with the onion for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.

8. In the bowl with the potato flesh, add the onion and ham mixture. Add the cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Mix everything well until you achieve a homogeneous composition.

9. Fill each potato half with the obtained mixture, giving them a nice shape.

10. Place the stuffed potatoes back on the baking tray and return them to the oven for 20 minutes.

11. Halfway through the baking time, remove the tray and sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the potatoes. Let them bake further to achieve a golden crust.

12. Once the cheese has melted and browned slightly, take the tray out of the oven and let the potatoes cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serving:
These twice-baked potatoes are delicious both as a side dish alongside a juicy steak and as a main course served with a fresh salad. You can add a garlic yogurt sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
These stuffed potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins, providing a balanced meal. Each serving has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Potatoes are rich in potassium, and cottage cheese provides essential proteins for a healthy diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes offer a different flavor and sweetness, making them a healthy alternative.

2. What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
You can opt for ricotta or a cheese blend for a more intense flavor.

3. Can I prepare the potatoes in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the potatoes a few hours before serving, then bake them just before the meal.

4. How can I turn the recipe into a vegetarian option?
Replace the ham with sautéed vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini.

Enjoy this simple and delicious recipe for twice-baked potatoes stuffed with cottage cheese and ham. With each bite, you will feel the warmth and comfort of a meal cooked with love. Bon appétit!