Spicy Potatoes

Spicy Baked Potatoes – a delight that will enchant your senses

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

In the culinary world, the potato is a versatile and spice-loving ingredient, capable of transforming from a simple side dish into a standalone dish, full of flavor and personality. This spicy baked potato recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with taste, making it perfect for a weekend meal or as an appetizer at a party.

Ingredients:

- 6 medium potatoes (approximately 1 kg)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 red chili pepper (or more if you are a spice enthusiast)
- 1 green chili pepper (optional)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Peppercorns (for added texture)

Practical tip: choose potatoes of similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly. New potatoes are best for this recipe, but you can also use older potatoes if they are fresh and blemish-free.

Preparation:

1. Cleaning and boiling the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well with a sponge under running water. This step is essential to remove any impurities from the skin. Then, place them in a pot of salted water and let them boil for about 20 minutes. Check if they are ready by inserting a fork into them; it should go in easily.

2. Cooling the potatoes: After boiling, drain the water and rinse the potatoes under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool a bit so you can peel them without burning yourself. Once they are completely cooled, peel them and cut them into cubes of about 2 cm.

3. Seasoning and preparing: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the potato cubes in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic powder, ginger powder, salt, pepper, and peppercorns. Mix well so that the spices are evenly distributed over the potatoes.

4. Baking the potatoes: Put the dish in the oven and let the potatoes bake for 30 minutes until they become golden and crispy. It is recommended to stir the potatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure they brown evenly.

5. Adding the chili peppers: 10 minutes before the potatoes are done, add the sliced chili peppers. They will give the dish a spicy flavor and an intense aroma.

Serving:

These spicy baked potatoes are ideal to serve as a side dish to a juicy steak or as an appetizer alongside yogurt or tzatziki sauces. You can add a fresh vegetable salad to balance the spicy flavors.

Variations:

For an even more interesting culinary experience, you can experiment with different spices. Add cumin, smoked paprika, or even a splash of soy sauce for a unique flavor. You can also substitute the chili peppers with other vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, to create a vegetarian version.

Nutritional benefits:

Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, especially vitamin C and B6. Adding chili peppers not only enhances the flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting metabolism.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen potatoes? – It is recommended to use fresh potatoes for the best results, but if you have frozen potatoes, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

2. What sauces go well with these potatoes? – Yogurt sauces, mayonnaise-based sauces, or even spicy ketchup are all excellent choices.

3. How can I make the potatoes less spicy? – You can reduce the amount of chili peppers or eliminate them completely from the recipe, opting instead for milder spices like sweet paprika or oregano.

By trying this spicy baked potato recipe, you will bring a burst of flavor to your kitchen. Whether you serve them as a side dish or as an appetizer, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite choice among your loved ones. Enjoy!