Mushrooms in tomato sauce with baked potatoes

Mushrooms in tomato sauce with baked potatoes - a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for fasting days or any time we want to enjoy the natural flavors of seasonal ingredients. This dish combines the meaty texture of mushrooms with the rich tomato sauce and golden-baked potatoes, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. Let's start the cooking adventure!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 bowl full of fresh mushrooms (approximately 500 g)
- 1 large onion
- 250 ml tomato juice
- 5 garlic cloves
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 3-4 tablespoons sunflower oil
- 5-6 medium potatoes
- sweet paprika, to taste
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- fresh dill, for decoration

A brief history of the recipe
This recipe for mushrooms in tomato sauce with baked potatoes is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can bring together culinary traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. Mushrooms, forest fungi with a distinctive flavor, are often used in traditional dishes, and their combination with tomatoes, a staple ingredient in many cultures, makes this dish both comforting and nourishing.

Step by step - Cooking the mushrooms in tomato sauce

1. Preparing the mushrooms
Start by cleaning the mushrooms. Wash them well in several waters to remove any impurities or sand. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water and boil for about 20 minutes. This process will not only make them safer to eat but will also soften them.

2. Chopping the mushrooms
After boiling, remove the mushrooms from the water and let them cool slightly. Use a sharp knife to chop them. Do this carefully; you want to keep some whole mushrooms for a more attractive presentation on the plate.

3. Preparing the sauce
In a large pan, add the oil and let it heat up. Clean the onion, wash it, and chop it finely. Add the onion to the pan and let it soften for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the chopped mushrooms along with half a cup of water.

4. Adding the tomatoes
When the water starts to boil, pour in the tomato juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Adding the garlic
About 5 minutes before turning off the heat, peel and crush the garlic. Add it to the pan and mix well to combine the flavors.

Baking the potatoes

6. Preparing the potatoes
While the mushrooms are simmering, peel the potatoes and wash them well. Cut them into evenly sized cubes to cook uniformly. Boil them in a pot of salted water for 20 minutes until they become tender but not mushy.

7. Preparing for the oven
Once the potatoes are ready, drain them and add the margarine. Mix well until the margarine melts and is evenly incorporated into the potatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and sweet paprika.

8. Baking the potatoes
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the potatoes in a baking dish, sprinkle chopped fresh dill on top, and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy.

Assembling and serving

9. Serving the dish
Once the potatoes are ready and the mushrooms have simmered in tomato sauce, it's time to assemble the plate. Place a layer of mushrooms in tomato sauce, followed by a generous serving of golden potatoes. Garnishing with fresh dill will add a touch of freshness.

10. Serving suggestions
This dish is delicious served warm, alongside a fresh green salad or slightly salted polenta. You can also pair this dish with a glass of dry white wine or apple compote for a pleasant contrast of flavors.

Useful tips

- Fresh mushrooms: Make sure the mushrooms are fresh and free from spots. If you can't find fresh mushrooms, you can also use canned mushrooms, but adjust the cooking time.
- Spices: Play around with the spices! You can add herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor boost.
- Variations: You can replace the mushrooms with other types of mushrooms, such as button or porcini mushrooms, and the potatoes can be replaced with zucchini or carrots for a lighter version.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use frozen mushrooms?
Yes, frozen mushrooms can be used, but it is recommended to thaw them and let them drain well before preparation.

- How many calories does this dish have?
One serving (approximately one portion) has about 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of oil and margarine used. It is a healthy option, rich in fiber and nutrients, especially during fasting periods.

This dish of mushrooms in tomato sauce with baked potatoes is not just a simple recipe but also a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of nature. Enjoy your meal!