Stuffed baked potatoes

Stuffed baked potatoes: a delicious and comforting recipe

I invite you to discover the magic of a simple yet flavorful recipe: stuffed baked potatoes. This recipe is perfect as a snack or side dish, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort to every meal.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

The ingredients needed for this recipe are:

- 4 medium potatoes (choose uniform potatoes for even baking)
- 100 g ham (preferably smoked for extra flavor)
- 100 g cheese (opt for one that melts well)
- 50 g feta cheese (feta or telemea are excellent choices)
- ½ red bell pepper (you can also use yellow for a color contrast)
- 2 medium mushrooms (champignon mushrooms are the most accessible)
- ½ red onion (this adds a sweet note)
- pepper and salt (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons oil (olive oil is a healthy option)
- margarine (for greasing the baking tray)

For the sour cream sauce:

- 200 g sour cream (full-fat sour cream will give a richer taste)
- 2 cloves of garlic (for an intense flavor)
- oregano (fresh or dried, to complement the flavors)

A brief history of the recipe

Stuffed potatoes are a traditional recipe found in various forms across many culinary cultures. Whether filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, they have managed to win people's hearts due to their versatility. Each cook adds a personal touch, and the recipe I propose today is simple and full of flavors, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Preparation method

1. Preparing the potatoes:
- Start by washing the potatoes well under running water to remove any impurities. Dry them with a clean towel.
- Cut each potato in half lengthwise. Then, using a spoon, scoop out the flesh, leaving a shell about 1 cm thick. This step is essential for creating a perfect vessel for the filling.
- Place the potato halves in a greased baking tray to prevent sticking.

2. Preparing the filling:
- Finely chop the ham, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, and the scooped-out potato flesh. Make sure all ingredients are chopped evenly for even cooking.
- In a skillet, add the two tablespoons of oil and heat it up. Add the ham and fry it until crispy, giving a pleasant texture to the filling.
- Continue by adding the bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, and potato flesh. Mix everything well and let it cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Then, remove the skillet from heat and add the cheese and feta. Gently mix so that the cheeses melt slightly and integrate into the filling.

3. Baking the potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C if you have a fan) and place the tray with the potatoes in the oven for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the tray from the oven and fill each potato half with the prepared filling. Make sure the filling is well packed so that it doesn't spill during baking.
- Return the tray to the oven and let the potatoes bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden and the filling develops a delicious crust.

4. Preparing the sour cream sauce:
- In a bowl, mix the sour cream with the crushed garlic cloves and oregano. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking. This sauce will add a creamy and aromatic note to the dish.

5. Serving:
- Remove the stuffed potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Serve them warm, accompanied by the garlic and oregano sour cream sauce. You can add some fresh oregano leaves for a special touch.

Useful tips:
- You can vary the filling by adding olives, corn, or other preferred vegetables.
- If you want to give them an even more intense flavor, try adding spices like paprika or smoked paprika.
- These potatoes are also wonderful served alongside a fresh salad, a refreshing drink, or a glass of white wine.

Nutritional benefits:
Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, and B vitamins. The rich filling of cheese and vegetables adds protein and essential nutrients. This recipe can be adapted to be vegetarian by eliminating the ham and adding more vegetables.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular ones?
Yes, sweet potatoes offer a sweet flavor and a delicate texture, making them an excellent option for a healthier variant.

- How can I store the stuffed potatoes?
Stuffed potatoes can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

- Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe by using vegan cheeses and omitting the ham for a vegan-friendly version.

These stuffed baked potatoes are an excellent choice for family meals or gatherings with friends. I encourage you to try them and personalize them to your taste. Enjoy your meal!