Fried potatoes with bacon and pickles

Fried potatoes with bacon and cucumbers – A comfort food recipe that will delight your taste buds

In a world full of sophisticated dishes and rare ingredients, sometimes the most delicious meals are the simple ones that remind us of home and the moments spent with loved ones. Today, I invite you to discover the recipe for fried potatoes with bacon and cucumbers, a dish that harmoniously combines the rich flavor of smoked meat with the freshness of vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, but also for a family weekend meal.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 700 g potatoes
- 200 g onion
- 400 g canned tomatoes (or fresh, depending on the season)
- 4 cucumbers
- 500 g smoked bacon
- 5 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower oil or olive oil)
- 250 ml vegetable broth (from 1/2 broth cube)
- Salt and ground pepper, to taste

A bit of history:

Potato dishes are part of many culinary traditions, appreciated for their versatility and ability to absorb flavors. The combination of bacon and vegetables is a rustic recipe that evokes memories of family meals, where everyone contributed. Fried potatoes are a quick and tasty option, and the addition of smoked meat transforms this dish into a memorable culinary experience.

Preparing the ingredients:

1. Onion: Start by peeling the onion and slicing it thinly. The onion will add a sweet-sour taste to the dish, so don’t neglect it.

2. Potatoes: Peel the potatoes, wash them well, and slice them into rounds about 0.5 cm thick. Make sure they are not too thin, as we want them to remain firm and not turn into mush during cooking.

3. Cucumbers: Wash the cucumbers well and slice them. They will add a note of freshness at the end, perfectly contrasting with the flavors of the smoked meat.

4. Bacon: Remove the bones from the bacon and cut the meat into cubes, preparing it to be added to the mix.

Cooking technique:

1. Frying the potatoes: In a large skillet, add 5 tablespoons of oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the potatoes. Fry them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become golden and crispy on the edges.

2. Adding the onion: After 5 minutes, add the sliced onion to the skillet and continue frying for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and releases its flavors.

3. Seasoning: At this point, season with salt and pepper to taste. The dish will be tastier with a sprinkle of salt, which will help the potatoes absorb the flavors.

4. Tomatoes and broth: Crush the canned tomatoes (or fresh, if you choose this option) and add them to the skillet, along with the vegetable broth. Mix everything well, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This step is essential, as the tomatoes will add juiciness and a rich flavor to the dish.

5. Adding the bacon and cucumbers: Once the potatoes are cooked, add the bacon cubes and cucumber slices. Let them simmer together for another 5 minutes, so the flavors can meld.

Serving:

Serving is an important part of any meal. I recommend serving the fried potatoes with bacon and cucumbers hot, alongside a fresh green salad or pickles. This contrast will add extra flavor and freshness. You can also sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a more attractive appearance and a fresh taste.

Practical tips:

- Choosing the bacon: Choose a good quality bacon, preferably smoked, as the smoky flavor will enhance the dish.
- Cucumbers: You can use pickled cucumbers for a more intense flavor. They add a delicious contrast!
- Vegetarian option: If you want a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and add cooked chickpeas or beans to maintain the protein in the dish.
- Thickening the sauce: If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste during cooking.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, sweet potatoes add a note of sweetness to the dish, but the cooking time may be shorter, so be careful not to leave them on the heat too long.
- What are the best spices for this dish? You can also add paprika or thyme to enhance the flavors.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, this dish can be prepared in advance and reheated without any problems.

Nutritional information: One serving of this dish contains approximately 450 calories, but this can vary depending on the type of bacon used. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, while onions and tomatoes provide a dose of vitamins and antioxidants. Cucumbers add fiber and a touch of freshness, making this dish a balanced meal.

In conclusion, fried potatoes with bacon and cucumbers are not just a simple recipe, but a culinary experience that combines tradition with modern flavors. Feel free to customize them to your liking, and every meal will be an opportunity to celebrate the tastes and flavors we bring together in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!