Potato dish with smoked meat

Potato dish with smoked meat – A comforting dish from traditional cuisine, perfect for chilly days

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Servings: 4

The potato dish with smoked meat is a true feast for the senses, combining the rich flavors of smoked meat with the creamy texture of potatoes. This simple and hearty recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Ingredients:
- 1 large onion
- 1 medium carrot
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 red onion
- 4-5 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 200 g smoked meat (kaiser and bacon)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- 800 g potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oil for sautéing

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by finely chopping the vegetables. The white and red onions are sliced julienne, the carrot is grated, and the bell pepper is diced. Crush the garlic with the knife blade to release its flavors. Peel the potatoes, slice them into appropriate thickness (about 1 cm thick), and place them in cold water to prevent oxidation.

Step 2: Cooking the meat
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat a few tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. You can add a pinch of salt to help the onion release its juices. Then, add the diced smoked meat and let it brown slightly to develop an intense flavor.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables
Once the meat is browned, add the carrot and bell pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, incorporate the drained potatoes. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Cooking the dish
Add the tomato paste and stir to mix the composition evenly. Pour enough water to cover the ingredients (about 600 ml) and add the bay leaves. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for 30-35 minutes, until the potatoes are soft. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Finishing the dish
When the potatoes are ready, remove the bay leaves and add pepper to taste. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for an extra touch of freshness.

Serving:
The potato dish with smoked meat is served hot, directly from the pot, alongside a summer salad or pickles for a pleasant contrast. You can also add a few slices of fresh bread to enjoy the delicious sauce that has formed.

Variation suggestion:
For a different note, you can experiment with different types of smoked meat, such as smoked sausages or even smoked pork or beef. You can also add other vegetables, such as zucchini or peas, to diversify the recipe.

This potato dish with smoked meat recipe is not only simple and quick but also full of flavor, making it ideal for a comforting family dinner. Prepare it and let yourself be carried away by the traditional flavors of Romanian cuisine!