Hungarian potatoes

Hungarian Oven Potatoes: A Delicious and Flavorful Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I will present you with a simple and delicious recipe for Hungarian oven potatoes, a perfect choice for a savory side dish or even a vegetarian main course. These potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside, making them a versatile option for any meal.

A Brief History of the Recipe

Over time, potatoes have become a staple ingredient in many cultures around the world. This Hungarian potato recipe combines the simple flavors of fresh ingredients with a cooking technique that highlights the natural taste of the potatoes. Whether served alongside meat or as part of a vegetarian meal, Hungarian potatoes are always welcome at the table.

Necessary Ingredients

- 1 kg potatoes (preferably mealy type for better texture)
- 1-2 onions, finely chopped
- 5-6 garlic cloves, crushed
- 3 tablespoons oil (olive oil or sunflower oil)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt, to taste

Details about Ingredients

- Potatoes: Choose quality potatoes with smooth skin, free of blemishes or sprouts. Red or white potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their texture.
- Chives: Chives add a sweet and mild note, but you can also use green onions for a fresher taste.
- Garlic: Garlic not only provides an intense flavor but also has numerous health benefits, being a powerful antioxidant.
- Thyme: This aromatic herb not only enhances the taste but also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Step by Step: How to Prepare Hungarian Potatoes

1. Preparing the Ingredients: Start by peeling and washing the potatoes, onion, and garlic well. It is essential to remove all impurities to achieve a clean and tasty dish.

2. Cutting the Potatoes: Cut the potatoes into very small cubes (about 1-2 cm). Uniform size will ensure even baking, so you get crispy potatoes on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

3. Preparing the Mixture: In a large bowl, add the potato cubes, finely chopped onion, crushed garlic, oil, salt, and thyme. Use a spoon or even your hands to mix the ingredients, ensuring that each potato cube is well coated with the flavors.

4. Preparing the Baking Tray: Place parchment paper in a baking tray. This will prevent the potatoes from sticking and make cleaning easier later. Spread the potatoes evenly in the tray, making sure they do not overlap.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the tray with potatoes in the oven and let them bake for 30-35 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, use a spatula to turn the potatoes so they brown evenly on all sides.

6. Checking for Doneness: The potatoes are ready when they become golden and crispy on the outside. You can test them with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are perfect.

7. Serving: Remove the tray from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. You can serve them warm, drizzled with a little olive oil and sprinkled with chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Hungarian potatoes are delicious and simple, but you can also add various variations:

- Adding cheese: For a richer taste, sprinkle grated cheese (e.g., feta or parmesan) on top of the potatoes in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Additional vegetables: You can add diced carrots or bell peppers to the potato mixture for a more colorful aroma and appearance.
- Alternative spices: Depending on your preferences, you can experiment with other herbs, such as oregano, rosemary, or even sweet paprika for a more intense flavor.

Delicious Combinations

These Hungarian potatoes pair perfectly with:

- Grilled meat: Serve them as a side dish alongside steaks or sausages.
- Fresh salad: A vegetable salad with vinaigrette will perfectly complement the meal.
- Sauces: A yogurt or tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing note and balances the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use sweet potatoes? Yes, you can adapt the recipe using sweet potatoes for a sweeter taste and different texture.
- How can I store leftovers? The potatoes can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to make them crispy again.
- How many calories do Hungarian potatoes have? This recipe contains approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used and the added ingredients.

Nutritional Benefits

Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and minerals (such as potassium). Garlic, in addition to flavor, contributes to cardiovascular health, while thyme brings valuable antioxidants.

In conclusion, this recipe for Hungarian oven potatoes is not only simple but also extremely versatile. You can adapt the ingredients to your preferences and integrate it into various meals. So, prepare your ingredients and let’s enjoy the simple and delicious flavors of these potatoes! Bon appétit!