Fan-shaped potatoes with zucchini and beer baked in the oven

Fan potatoes with zucchini and beer baked in the oven

Welcome to our kitchen! Today I will present to you a savory and surprising recipe: fan potatoes with zucchini and beer baked in the oven. This dish is not only a delight for the taste buds but also an excellent choice for family meals or a dinner with friends. With an attractive appearance and a delicious aroma, the fan potatoes will surely win over your guests.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Your ingredients:

- 6 medium potatoes
- 2 zucchinis
- 500 ml beer (choose a beer you like, but not too bitter)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Thyme (fresh or dried, to preference)
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh dill

A bit of history:

This recipe combines the tradition of baking with a touch of innovation by adding beer, which not only enriches the flavor of the dish but also gives it a unique texture. Potatoes have been a staple food in many cultures, being versatile and nutritious. Zucchini, on the other hand, adds a contrast of texture and a subtle taste that perfectly complements the potatoes.

Step by step:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water. Use a vegetable brush to remove any impurities. After cleaning them, cut them lengthwise but not all the way through, leaving the base intact. This will create a "fan" where we will add the zucchini.

2. Cutting the zucchini: Peel the zucchinis (if you prefer) and cut them into rounds about 1 cm thick. Then, cut each round in half. These halves will be inserted into the slits of the potatoes, adding extra flavor and color to the dish.

3. Assembling the potatoes: In a heat-resistant dish, grease the bottom with oil or butter to prevent sticking. Place the fan potatoes in the dish. Between the slits of each potato, insert the zucchini halves.

4. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme over the potatoes and zucchini. These spices will enhance the flavors during baking.

5. The garlic: Finely chop the 3 cloves of garlic. This will add a delicious and unmistakable aroma to the dish. Evenly sprinkle the chopped garlic over the potatoes.

6. Initial baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180°C and let it bake for 15-20 minutes. This will help start the cooking process of the potatoes and zucchini.

7. Adding the beer: After 20 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and carefully pour 500 ml of beer over the potatoes. This will help create a delicious sauce and flavor the dish.

8. Final baking: Put the dish back in the oven and let it bake for another 25-40 minutes, until the potatoes become golden and crispy. Check occasionally to ensure they do not burn.

9. Finishing the dish: When the potatoes are nicely browned, take them out of the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh dill on top. The dill adds a fresh and aromatic note, perfect for complementing the dish.

Serving:

The fan potatoes with zucchini and beer baked in the oven are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a fresh green salad or a side of grilled meat, such as chicken or pork. Also, a cold beer will make a perfect pairing with this dish.

Useful tips:

- You can experiment with different types of beer: a blonde beer will bring a sweeter note, while a brown beer will add greater depth of flavor.
- If you want a vegetarian version, you can completely omit the meat and add more vegetables like carrots or peppers.
- Make sure to use a well-preheated oven to achieve a crispy crust.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What type of beer is the most suitable?
Choose a beer that you like. A blonde beer or a lager are excellent options for this dish.

2. Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can replace the zucchini with other vegetables, such as mushrooms or tomatoes, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I make the recipe healthier?
You can reduce the oil used or choose to use non-alcoholic beer to cut down on calories.

4. What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?
Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins, while zucchini brings antioxidants and essential vitamins, being low in calories.

Now that you know how to prepare these fan potatoes with zucchini and beer baked in the oven, all that's left is to get cooking! I assure you that the result will be a tasty dish full of flavors, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!