Oven-baked potatoes with meat

Oven-Baked Potatoes with Meat

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

Welcome to your kitchen! Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a dish that combines simplicity with authentic flavor: oven-baked potatoes with meat. This dish is emblematic for family meals, evoking pleasant memories and unforgettable moments. It is perfect for a quick dinner but also to impress guests. Let's get started!

Ingredients:

- 5 medium potatoes
- 1-2 carrots
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 chicken thighs (drumsticks and thighs)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (or sunflower oil)
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley
- A covered baking dish

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the potatoes and carrots thoroughly. Don’t forget to remove any spots or imperfections. Peel the potatoes, and peel and slice the carrots thinly for even cooking.

2. Marinating the meat: In a bowl, add the chicken thighs and cover them with cold water, adding a teaspoon of salt. Let them marinate for 30 minutes. This will help the meat become more tender and flavorful.

3. Seasoning the vegetables: In a baking dish, place the sliced potatoes and carrots. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, oregano, rosemary, and thyme, then drizzle with olive oil. Mix well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the spices.

4. Preparing the meat: After the chicken thighs have marinated, remove them from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, rosemary, and sweet paprika. Don’t forget to add the crushed garlic for a special aroma.

5. Assembling the dish: Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables in the baking dish. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil. This step is essential to retain moisture and allow the meat to cook evenly.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 40 minutes. After this time, remove the lid and let the dish bake for another 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden and crispy crust.

7. Serving: Once the dish is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of freshness and color.

Useful tips:

- Choose starchy potatoes: Potatoes with a more starchy texture, such as white or yellow ones, are ideal for this recipe as they bake better and become creamy.
- Variety of vegetables: You can also add other vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or zucchini, to diversify the dish and enhance its flavors.
- Marinated meat: If you have time, you can marinate the meat the night before to soak it better in flavors.
- The oil: Using olive oil not only improves the taste but also provides nutritional benefits as it is rich in antioxidants.

Nutritional benefits: This dish is rich in protein due to the chicken, while the vegetables provide a substantial amount of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, offering long-lasting energy. A serving contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the portion size.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use pork or beef? Yes, you can substitute chicken with pork or beef, but the cooking time will vary depending on the type of meat used.
- How can I make the dish spicier? Add chili flakes or hot pepper sauce to the meat marinade for a more intense flavor.
- What side dish pairs well? A fresh green salad or a yogurt garlic sauce are excellent sides that complement this dish.

Personal story: I fondly remember the moments spent in the kitchen with my grandmother when we prepared this dish. The aroma of slowly cooked meat and fresh vegetables filled the entire house, and family meals became a true celebration. I encourage you to create your own memories around this recipe!

Possible variations: You can experiment with different fresh herbs, such as basil or dill, to add another layer of flavor. You can also replace olive oil with butter for a richer taste.

I wish you happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your dish turned out! Bon appétit!