Accordion potatoes for Lent

Recipe: Accordion Potatoes for Lent

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

Accordion potatoes are a delicious and versatile choice for any meal, and today I will show you how to prepare them in a Lenten version, easy to make but full of flavor. This recipe combines the crispy texture of the potatoes with the rich flavors of mushrooms and carrots, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. I invite you to discover with me how to transform simple ingredients into this special dish!

Ingredients needed:

- 8 medium potatoes (ideally of uniform size for even baking)
- 1 large carrot
- 16 whole canned mushrooms (or fresh, if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of vegeta (or preferred spices)
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 2 cloves of garlic
- A little margarine (or olive oil, if you prefer)
- Aluminum foil for cooking

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by peeling the potatoes. Use a sharp knife to remove the skin while keeping the potatoes as whole as possible. After peeling, wash them well under cold running water to remove impurities.

Step 2: Cutting the potatoes

Cut the potatoes into thick slices of about 1 cm, but do not cut all the way through - leave a base of 1-2 cm intact. This will allow the potatoes to fill with the stuffing while keeping their structure. This is an important trick to achieve that attractive "accordion" effect.

Step 3: Preparing the vegetables

Peel the carrot and wash it well. Cut it into thin rounds so that it cooks evenly and integrates perfectly between the potatoes. If using fresh mushrooms, clean and slice them thinly. Canned mushrooms can be used directly.

Step 4: Assembling

Between the slices of potatoes, add the slices of mushrooms and carrot rounds. This mix will add not only flavor but also a crispy texture, perfectly contrasting with the soft potatoes.

Step 5: Preparing the spice mixture

In a bowl, combine the water with the tomato paste, vegeta, and pepper. Mix well until the tomato paste is completely dissolved. This mixture will add a delicious taste and help cook the potatoes.

Step 6: Wrapping the potatoes

Cut large pieces of foil and grease each piece with a little margarine. Place one potato on each piece of foil, pour a few tablespoons of the water and spice mixture over each potato, then add a slice of garlic next to each potato.

Step 7: Baking

Wrap the foil tightly around the potatoes, ensuring they are completely covered. Place them in a baking dish and put them in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 35-40 minutes. In the last 5 minutes, open the foil to allow the potatoes to brown. Increasing the temperature by a few degrees will help achieve a crispy crust.

Step 8: Serving

Once the potatoes are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before unwrapping them from the foil. They can be served as is or with a little vegan cheese on top, adding a creamy and flavorful touch.

Useful tips:

- If you want to experiment with flavors, add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme between the potato slices. These will add a delicious aroma.
- Substitute mushrooms with other vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers to vary the recipe.
- Make sure the foil is tightly wrapped to prevent liquid leaks.

Nutritional benefits:

Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, vitamin C, and potassium. The carrot adds fiber and beta-carotene, while mushrooms contribute protein and B vitamins. This Lenten accordion potato recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, perfect for a healthy meal.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yes, any type of potato can be used, but white or yellow potatoes are best for this recipe.

2. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add zucchini, onion, or even broccoli, depending on your preferences.

3. How can I store leftover potatoes?
Keep them in a closed container in the fridge and consume them within 2-3 days. They can be reheated in the oven to regain their crispy texture.

Serving suggestions:

Lenten accordion potatoes pair perfectly with a fresh summer salad or a yogurt sauce. Additionally, a glass of white wine or iced tea would perfectly complement the meal.

Personal note:

For a touch of originality, I like to add some finely chopped black olives to the vegetable mix. They add a salty and savory taste that balances the sweetness of the potatoes and carrots.

Now that you have all the details, all that’s left is to get to work! Lenten accordion potatoes are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive meals. Enjoy them with love!