French fries with telemea cheese

French Potatoes with Telemea - A Culinary Indulgence!

If you are looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make recipe, French potatoes with telemea are the perfect choice. This recipe wonderfully combines the creamy texture of mashed potatoes with baked potato slices, while the sheep cheese adds a unique, intense flavor that will captivate you from the first bite. Whether you serve them at a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these French potatoes with telemea are guaranteed to be a hit.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6

Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes
- 300 g sheep telemea
- 6 eggs
- 100 g butter
- 100 g grated cheese
- 100 ml sour cream
- salt (to taste)

Necessary Utensils
- A large pot
- A blender or a whisk for mashing
- A baking dish
- Grater
- A knife
- A wooden spoon
- A plate

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the Potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water to remove any impurities. Boil them in a large pot, covered with water, and add a teaspoon of salt. Cover the pot with a lid and let them boil for 20 minutes or until they are well cooked. Check them with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are ready.

2. Cooling and Peeling the Potatoes
Once the potatoes are boiled, remove them from the water and let them cool for 10 minutes. After they have cooled sufficiently, peel them. Divide the potatoes in two: half will be mashed, while the other half will be sliced.

3. Preparing the Mashed Potatoes
Use a blender or a potato masher to mash the half of the potatoes. Add a little salt and, if you prefer, a splash of butter to achieve a creamy and delicious mash.

4. Preparing the Telemea Mixture
Grate the sheep telemea on a fine grater and mix it in a bowl with the 3 raw eggs. Make sure the mixture becomes homogeneous.

5. Boiling the Eggs
Boil the other 3 eggs in a separate pot for 10 minutes. Once boiled, place them under cold running water, then peel and cut them into quarters.

6. Assembling the Dish
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with butter over the entire surface. Place the first layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish. On top of these, add the mashed potatoes and the telemea mixture with the eggs. Arrange the quarters of boiled eggs evenly on top.

7. The Final Layer
Cover with another layer of potato slices. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and pour the sour cream evenly. This layer will add a delicious golden crust.

8. Baking
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the surface becomes golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill the kitchen will make you eagerly await to savor this dish.

Serving
French potatoes with telemea are served warm, with a splash of sour cream and, if desired, an extra portion of grated cheese on top. This combination will turn every bite into a true celebration of flavor.

Practical Tips
- Choosing the Potatoes: Opt for potato varieties suitable for mashing, such as white or sweet potatoes. They have a creamier texture after boiling.
- Telemea: If you don’t have sheep telemea, you can use feta cheese or cottage cheese. Each variant will add a distinct flavor to the dish.
- Variations: You can add herbs like thyme or dill to the telemea mixture for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, adding sautéed spinach or mushrooms can transform the recipe into a delicious vegetarian option.

Nutritional Benefits
These potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, providing energy throughout the day. Sheep telemea adds protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Eggs complete the nutritional profile, being rich in vitamins and minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use pre-cooked potatoes?
Yes, you can use leftover boiled potatoes from another meal. Make sure they are well-cooked to achieve a creamy mash.

2. How can I store leftover French potatoes?
You can store the potatoes in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices to complement the meal. Additionally, a yogurt with mint can create a refreshing contrast.

A Personal Note
This recipe was passed down to me by my grandmother, who lovingly prepared it every Sunday. I remember the enticing aroma that filled the house and how it brought us all together at the table. I recommend you try it and share it with your loved ones. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a memory filled with warmth and love.

I wish you much success in preparing these French potatoes with telemea and hope you enjoy every bite!