Baked Potatoes

Delicious baked potato recipe with meat and vegetables

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Welcome to our kitchen! Today I will share with you a classic baked potato recipe, a perfect combination of golden potatoes, juicy meat, and fresh vegetables. This recipe is not only simple but also extremely satisfying, ideal for a family dinner or to impress guests. Whether you use pork or chicken, the result will be delicious. Let's get started!

Ingredients

- 1 kg potatoes (choose suitable cooking potatoes, such as "starchy" varieties)
- 300 g pork or chicken (each option brings a unique flavor)
- 1 large onion
- 1 yellow bell pepper (or another type of pepper, depending on preferences)
- 2 eggs
- 2 tomatoes
- Olive oil or sunflower oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- Salt or seasoning, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

History and Tradition

Baked potato recipes are found in many culinary cultures, with deep roots in traditional gastronomy. This combination of ingredients has been used for generations, being an effective way to utilize meat and vegetables while providing a hearty and nourishing meal. Potatoes, a versatile ingredient, have quickly become a favorite in kitchens around the world due to their flavor and texture.

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Start by preparing the ingredients. Peel the potatoes and slice them into rounds about 1 cm thick. This will allow them to cook evenly and not break apart. Place them in a pot with cold water and add a little salt, then bring the water to a boil. Boil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes, just until they start to soften but remain firm. This is a key technique to prevent them from disintegrating in the oven.

Step 2: Preparing the Meat

Meanwhile, cut the meat into small cubes. In a skillet, add a little oil and sauté the meat over medium heat until browned and well-cooked. This will add a deep flavor to the dish. Once cooked, remove the meat to a plate and let it cool slightly. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3: Assembling the Dish

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with oil, then start assembling. Place a layer of boiled potatoes on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of meat mixed with onion and pepper. Repeat this process, alternating between layers of potatoes and meat, until you finish the ingredients. The last layer should be potatoes.

Step 4: Finalizing the Dish

Beat the two eggs in a bowl and add them over the last layer of potatoes. This step will help bind the ingredients and create a delicious crust. Slice the tomatoes thinly and place them on top for added freshness and color. Sprinkle salt or seasoning to taste and, if desired, add a dash of freshly ground pepper for a more intense flavor.

Step 5: Baking

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on top. This is the perfect time to use a fork to check if the potatoes are cooked through. If the fork goes in easily, the dish is ready!

Step 6: Serving

Once the potatoes are ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This is a perfect time to chop the fresh parsley, which will add a touch of freshness and color to the dish. Serve warm, along with a green salad or a side of steamed vegetables for an extra boost of vitamins.

Helpful Tips

- Meat Variations: You can experiment with different types of meat, such as beef or turkey. Each option will add a distinct flavor.
- Additional Vegetables: Add sliced carrots or zucchini to enrich the dish even further.
- Spices: Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary to add a touch of Mediterranean flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen potatoes?
We recommend using fresh potatoes for the best results, but if you have frozen potatoes, make sure they are fully thawed before use.

2. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything a few hours ahead, keeping it in the fridge until you're ready to bake it. This will allow the flavors to meld.

3. What drinks pair well with this recipe?
A dry white wine or a pale ale would perfectly complement this dish. Additionally, a cold tea or fresh lemonade would provide a refreshing contrast.

Nutritional Values

This recipe is rich in complex carbohydrates from potatoes, protein from meat, and vitamins from vegetables. A standard serving offers about 450 calories, making it a nourishing and filling option for an evening meal.

Personal Note

I fondly remember Sunday afternoons spent with family, when my grandmother prepared this recipe. The enticing aroma of baked potatoes and browned meat brought us all to the table, where stories and laughter filled the room. This recipe is not just about food, but also about the moments spent with loved ones.

Enjoy this classic baked potato recipe! I hope it brings you as many smiles and beautiful memories as it has for me. Bon appétit!