Cheesy Potato Mash, Baked

To prepare a delicious and comforting mozzarella potato puree, start by peeling the potatoes. Choose medium-sized potatoes, preferably those that boil well, such as red or yellow potatoes. Cut them into cubes of about 2-3 cm to ensure even cooking. Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water, adding a good tablespoon of salt. Then, choose your preferred cooking method: either steaming or boiling. If you opt for steaming, make sure the water does not come into direct contact with the potatoes and that they are well covered.

Once the potatoes are boiled and become easy to mash, drain them well and transfer them to a large bowl. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash them as well as possible until you achieve a fine and creamy texture. At this point, add the seasonings: a teaspoon of ground cumin, salt and pepper to taste, and a teaspoon of paprika for a touch of color and flavor. Incorporate extra virgin olive oil for an intense taste, and if desired, a little dried oregano. Mix the mixture well, feeling how the flavors blend perfectly.

To achieve an ideal consistency, gradually add warm milk. Adjust the amount according to your preferences, being careful not to make it too runny. At this point, prepare a heat-resistant dish that you grease with butter, ensuring it is well coated to prevent sticking. Pour the potato puree into the dish and level the surface with a spatula.

Now comes the most exciting part: the mozzarella cubes. You can use fresh mozzarella or cheese similar to cheddar, cut into small pieces. Distribute them evenly over the surface of the puree, gently pressing them in to integrate. Add, here and there, a few small pieces of butter to provide extra flavor and help form a golden crust.

For a more colorful appearance and fresh flavor, you can decorate with thin slices of fresh tomatoes. These will add a nice contrast and delicious taste. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish in the oven. Leave it until the mozzarella melts and begins to form a browned crust, which will take about 20-25 minutes.

When ready, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This recipe can be enjoyed both as a main dish and as a side, being perfect alongside a fresh salad. You will find it a combination of flavors and textures that will delight all the senses.