Stuffed Potatoes

Delicious Stuffed Potatoes with Cheese and Garlic Recipe: A Culinary Experience

I invite you to discover a simple yet extremely delicious recipe for stuffed potatoes that will transform an ordinary ingredient into a culinary masterpiece. These stuffed potatoes with cheese and garlic are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a festive meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes (choose medium-sized, uniform potatoes)
- 150 g cheese (preferably a cheese that melts well)
- 1 green onion (for a fresh touch)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (to enhance flavor)
- 1 egg (to bind the mixture)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for greasing the baking tray)

History and context of the recipe:
Stuffed potatoes are a beloved recipe in many cultures, often ingeniously utilizing available ingredients. This recipe has evolved over time, adapting to local preferences, but its essence remains the same: soft potatoes filled with rich flavors and varied textures. It is a recipe that can be personalized according to your tastes, and the combination of cheese and garlic will add an extra layer of flavor.

Preparation steps:

1. Boil the potatoes: Start by washing the potatoes well and boiling them with their skins in a large pot of salted water. Make sure the water completely covers the potatoes. Boil for 20-25 minutes, or until tender but not falling apart. Test with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready.

2. Prepare the filling: While the potatoes are boiling, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, add the boiled potato flesh (remove the skins), grated cheese, finely chopped green onion, crushed garlic, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well with a fork or spatula until you achieve a uniform mixture.

3. Hollow the potatoes: Once the potatoes are boiled, let them cool for a few minutes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise and gently scoop out some flesh with a spoon, leaving a thin layer of flesh to maintain their shape. Make sure not to remove too much; you want the potatoes to be sturdy enough.

4. Fill the potatoes: Use a spoon to fill each potato half with the prepared mixture. Ensure the filling is tightly packed so it doesn’t deform during baking.

5. Prepare the tray: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Meanwhile, line a baking tray with aluminum foil and grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

6. Bake the potatoes: Place the stuffed potatoes in the prepared tray, with the filling facing up. Bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes or until the filling is browned and slightly crispy.

7. Serving: Stuffed potatoes can be served warm, either as a main dish or as a side alongside a fresh salad. Their rich taste and creamy texture make them a true delight.

Useful tips:
- Choose the right potatoes: Thin-skinned potatoes, such as red ones, are easier to scoop and have a richer flavor.
- Add herbs: You can customize the filling with fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for an extra flavor boost.
- Ingredient substitutions: If you prefer a vegan version, you can use an egg substitute and vegan cheese. You can also add sautéed vegetables like spinach to enrich the filling.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes will add a sweet note and an interesting texture to the recipe.
2. What other ingredients can I add? You can experiment with crispy bacon, feta cheese, or olives.
3. How can I store stuffed potatoes? They can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
These stuffed potatoes have approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamin C, and fiber, while cheese provides protein and calcium.

Possible variations:
- Meat-stuffed potatoes: Add cooked ground meat to the filling for a heartier option.
- Vegetable-stuffed potatoes: Replace cheese with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian option.

This cheese and garlic stuffed potato recipe is not just a simple meal but a culinary experience that brings together tradition and innovation. Cook with love and enjoy every bite!