Oven-baked potatoes with telemea cheese

Baked Potatoes with Telemea Cheese – A Delicious Recipe That Will Delight Your Taste Buds

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 2

A Brief Story About the Recipe

Baked potatoes with telemea cheese represent a simple yet incredibly tasty combination that has won the hearts of many over time. This recipe reflects the simplicity and beauty of traditional cooking, where basic ingredients are transformed into extraordinary dishes through simple techniques. The potato, a staple food in numerous cultures, pairs perfectly with telemea cheese, bringing a rich flavor and creamy texture. It is a versatile dish, ideal as both a side and a main course.

Ingredients

- 2 large potatoes
- 100 g telemea cheese (preferably slightly salty)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- The flesh scooped out from the potatoes
- 50 g grated cheese (optional, for a delicious topping)
- 1-2 tablespoons butter or oil for greasing the baking dish

Ingredient Details

- Potatoes: Choose potatoes with smooth skin and no blemishes. New potatoes are an excellent choice for a sweeter taste.
- Telemea: This cheese has an intense and salty flavor that pairs perfectly with potatoes. If you prefer a less salty option, try feta or ricotta cheese.
- Oregano: Commonly used in Mediterranean cuisine, oregano adds a distinct aroma. If you don’t have oregano, you can use Herbes de Provence or rosemary for a different note.
- Grated cheese: Adding grated cheese at the end of baking provides a crispy and delicious layer.

Preparation Technique

1. Boil the potatoes: Start by peeling the two potatoes. Then, boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. It’s important not to overboil them to maintain their shape.

2. Prepare the potatoes: Once the potatoes are partially cooked, remove them from the water and let them cool slightly. Then, cut each potato in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the flesh from each half, leaving about a 1 cm margin.

3. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the scooped-out flesh with crumbled telemea, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well until the ingredients are homogeneous.

4. Fill the potatoes: Using a spoon, fill each potato half with the telemea mixture. Make sure the filling is well packed and evenly distributed.

5. Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a baking dish with a little butter or oil and place the filled potato halves in the prepared dish.

6. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake the potatoes for 20 minutes. Five minutes before they are done, sprinkle the grated cheese on top. It will melt and form a delicious golden crust.

7. Serve: Once the potatoes are ready, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or alongside a fresh salad.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For an extra touch, add some Kalamata olives or cherry tomatoes to the filling. You can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Additionally, for a vegetarian option, add sautéed vegetables (bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini) to the filling.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and calcium. Potatoes are rich in vitamins B6 and C, while telemea provides a significant amount of protein. Oregano is also known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes are a healthy alternative and add an interesting sweet flavor.
- How can I adapt the recipe for vegans? You can replace telemea with a mixture of crumbled tofu and nutritional yeast to create a protein-rich filling.
- What drinks pair well with this dish? A fresh vegetable salad and a glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade are excellent choices.

These baked potatoes with telemea cheese are not just a simple recipe, but a true feast for the senses. With every bite, you will enjoy a savory combination that will surely become your favorite. So get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet incredibly delicious delicacy! Enjoy your meal!