Improvised soufflé

Improvised Soufflé: A Versatile Delicacy from What You Have in the Fridge

The soufflé is a classic recipe with deep roots in culinary history, a dish that has been adapted and reinterpreted over time. Its origin is marked by elegance and refinement, but today we will focus on a simple and creative variant: the improvised soufflé! This dish is perfect for those moments when the fridge seems empty, but you have a few ingredients waiting to be used.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

- 1 large potato (approx. 125 g, boiled or baked, diced)
- 20 g red onion (finely chopped, fresh)
- 50 g grated cheese
- 100 g cow's telemea (cut into pieces or grated, salty)
- 100 g sour cream (with 12% fat)
- 140 g yogurt (preferably Danone, with 4.1% fat)
- 4 eggs
- 6 olives (quartered)
- 20 g olive oil
- 30 g breadcrumbs (for the mixture) + 10 g (for greasing the dish)
- A little butter (for greasing the dish)
- Salt, pepper, dried thyme
- A handful of fresh parsley and dill (chopped)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the potato: Start by peeling the potato and cutting it into cubes. Boil it in salted water for about 10 minutes. It should become soft, but don’t let it cook too long, or it will fall apart completely.

2. Baking the potato: After boiling, drain the potatoes well and place them in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius and bake the potatoes for 20 minutes. This step will give them a slightly crispy texture.

3. Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the baked potatoes with the red onion, cheese, telemea, sour cream, yogurt, eggs, olives, olive oil, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

4. Preparing the baking dish: In a yena dish (preferably 20 cm in diameter), grease the bottom and sides with butter and sprinkle 10 g of breadcrumbs. This will help the soufflé not to stick and to have a delicious golden crust.

5. Pouring the mixture: Pour the soufflé mixture into the prepared dish, ensuring it is evenly distributed.

6. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the soufflé is golden brown and set in the center. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the soufflé to rise nicely.

7. Cooling and serving: Once the soufflé is ready, let it cool slightly in the dish. Portion it and serve it warm or cold, depending on your preferences. It is delicious in both variations!

Serving suggestions: This improvised soufflé is versatile and can be served with various sauces, such as yogurt sauce with dill, tomato sauce, or even a fresh vegetable salad. Additionally, for an exotic touch, accompany it with avocado salsa.

Practical tips:
- If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t hesitate to adapt! You can substitute telemea with feta cheese or mozzarella, and olives can be replaced with roasted peppers or mushrooms.
- You can also add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, finely chopped, for an extra flavor and nutrients.
- This dish is ideal for using up leftovers from the fridge, so don’t throw anything away!

Nutritional information: This soufflé is a good source of protein due to the eggs and cheeses, also providing carbohydrates from the potatoes. The calories for one serving are estimated at approximately 250-300 kcal, depending on the specific ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese you prefer, but make sure it is salty for a balanced taste.

2. Can it be prepared in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soufflé a day in advance and reheat it before serving.

3. How can I turn this recipe into a main dish?
By adding cooked ground meat or mushrooms, you can transform the soufflé into a substantial main dish.

The improvised soufflé is more than just a simple recipe; it is an invitation to explore and use your culinary creativity. So, don’t hesitate to experiment, enjoy every bite, and share this delicacy with your loved ones!