Oven-baked potatoes with mushrooms

Oven-Baked Potatoes with Mushrooms - a simple and delicious recipe

On a cool evening, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming tray of oven-baked potatoes, enriched with aromatic mushrooms and garlic. This recipe for oven-baked potatoes with mushrooms is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavors and nutritional benefits, making it perfect for a family dinner or a festive meal. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together!

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of red potatoes
- 500 g of mushrooms (preferably champignon or pleurotus)
- 1 head of garlic
- 1 cup of tomato juice
- 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil or sunflower oil

A bit of history:
The recipe for oven-baked potatoes with mushrooms has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a dish that combines simple ingredients to create a delicious and hearty meal. Potatoes, once considered a "staple food," are used in countless dishes, while mushrooms add an umami flavor, intensifying the final aroma of the dish. This recipe is ideal not only for its taste but also for its texture, offering a pleasant contrast between creamy potatoes and juicy mushrooms.

Preparing oven-baked potatoes with mushrooms:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing the potatoes well under cold running water, ensuring you remove any impurities. It’s essential to keep the skin, as it adds fiber and nutrients. Then, place the potatoes in a pot of cold water and add a teaspoon of salt. Boil them for about 15 minutes, just until they start to become slightly soft, but not fully cooked. This step will help reduce the baking time in the oven.

Step 2: Preparing the mushrooms and garlic
Meanwhile, clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Cut them in half or slice them, depending on your preference. Garlic, with its unmistakable aroma, is the ingredient that will give the dish a note of intensity. Peel the head of garlic and cut it into 2-3 slices.

Step 3: Assembling the dish
After the potatoes have boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly. Peel them and cut them into larger pieces, depending on their size. In a large baking tray, grease the bottom with oil and evenly arrange the potatoes, mushrooms, and garlic slices.

Step 4: Seasoning
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and sweet paprika over the vegetables, gently mixing to ensure all ingredients are well coated with the spices. Then, pour the tomato juice over the potatoes, making sure each piece is drizzled with the delicious flavor of roasted tomatoes. Drizzle everything with a splash of olive oil to enhance the taste.

Step 5: Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius, then place the tray with potatoes and mushrooms in the oven. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the potatoes become golden and crispy. It is advisable to stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Serving:
Once the potatoes are ready, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, alongside a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast. You can also add a yogurt dressing with dill, which will perfectly complement the flavors in the tray.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add an extra flavor note, you can include some herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, either fresh or dried.
- Replace the mushrooms with zucchini or eggplant for a vegetarian version.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add some chopped chili or chili flakes.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes are a delicious alternative and add a unique flavor to the dish.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore the crispy texture.

Nutrition:
This dish is rich in complex carbohydrates from potatoes, providing long-lasting energy. Mushrooms add plant-based proteins, B vitamins, and antioxidants, while garlic is known for its immune system benefits. A serving of oven-baked potatoes with mushrooms contains approximately 300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used.

This recipe for oven-baked potatoes with mushrooms is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. So put on your apron, gather the ingredients, and let’s enjoy a delicious meal together! Enjoy your meal!