Potatoes stuffed with Meat

Potatoes Stuffed with Meat Recipe from Romania

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 6

Introduction

Potatoes stuffed with meat is a hearty and delicious dish that combines the comforting flavors of potatoes and seasoned ground meat. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

Potatoes stuffed with meat is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations in many cultures around the world. It is a versatile recipe that can be customized with different seasonings and ingredients to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients

12 medium potatoes
12 oz / 350 g ground sirloin
2 tbsp lard
2 onions
1 tbsp mixed chopped parsley and dill
1 tbsp flour
1 tbsp tomato sauce or 1 lb/500 g tomatoes
0.5 tsp sugar
salt
pepper
1 cup sour cream

How to prepare

Peel the potatoes and hollow them out using a thin knife.
In a bowl, mix the ground meat with finely chopped raw or fried onion, a tablespoon of lard, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and dill.
Fill the hollowed potatoes with this meat mixture.
Dredge the filled potatoes with flour and fry them in lard, turning them on all sides until browned.
Arrange the browned potatoes in a pan and cover them with the following sauce.
In the remaining lard from frying the potatoes, fry 0.5 tsp of flour and add tomato sauce or juice.
Add sugar, salt, and water (if preparing with tomato sauce).
Make sure the sauce completely covers the potatoes.
Simmer the pan on the stovetop for a few minutes, then pour in the sour cream.
Transfer the pan to the oven and bake until the potatoes are tender.

Variations

Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of this dish.
Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the meat filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to hollow out the potatoes carefully to create enough space for the meat filling.

- Season the meat mixture generously with salt, pepper, and herbs for maximum flavor.

- Browning the potatoes before baking them in the oven adds a delicious crispy texture to the dish.

- Be sure to cover the potatoes with the sauce completely to keep them moist and flavorful during baking.

Serving Suggestions

Potatoes stuffed with meat can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Hollowing out the potatoes can be a bit tricky, so take your time and use a sharp knife for best results.

- Browning the potatoes in a hot pan before baking them helps to seal in the flavors and create a crispy exterior.

- Simmering the sauce on the stovetop before adding the sour cream ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have lard, you can use vegetable oil or butter as a substitute.

- Feel free to use any type of ground meat or meat alternative in place of the ground sirloin.

- You can use Greek yogurt or coconut cream instead of sour cream for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the potatoes stuffed with meat in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Simply cover the pan with foil and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the potatoes stuffed with meat with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve them on a platter with a drizzle of sour cream on top for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Potatoes stuffed with meat pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of garlic bread. For drinks, try serving it with a glass of red wine, beer, or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover potatoes stuffed with meat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of potatoes stuffed with meat contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of potatoes stuffed with meat contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of potatoes stuffed with meat contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of potatoes stuffed with meat contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and B vitamins. The meat filling provides essential nutrients like iron and zinc.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream) and gluten (flour). It may also contain allergens depending on the specific ingredients used.

Summary

Potatoes stuffed with meat is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is a satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet in moderation.

Summary

Potatoes stuffed with meat is a classic and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With a delicious meat filling and creamy sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Potatoes stuffed with Meat. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Anne in her cozy little cottage in the countryside. Anne was a wonderful cook, and her kitchen was always filled with the most amazing aromas.

On that particular day, Anne was busy preparing lunch for us. As I sat at the kitchen table, I watched in awe as she carefully peeled and hollowed out some large Idaho potatoes. She then seasoned some ground beef with herbs and spices, mixed in some chopped onions and garlic, and stuffed the mixture into the potatoes. The potatoes were then baked until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside.

I was mesmerized by the sight and the smell of those delicious stuffed potatoes. I had never seen anything like it before. Anne noticed my fascination and smiled warmly at me.

"Would you like to learn how to make these?" she asked.

I eagerly nodded, and Anne took me under her wing, guiding me through the process step by step. She explained how the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a traveling chef many years ago.

As I helped Anne in the kitchen that day, I soaked up every bit of knowledge she shared with me. I learned how to season the meat just right, how to hollow out the potatoes without breaking them, and how to bake them to perfection. Anne also taught me the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and cooking with love and passion.

After we had finished cooking, Anne and I sat down at the table and enjoyed the fruits of our labor. The stuffed potatoes were absolutely divine – the meat was savory and tender, the potatoes were fluffy and flavorful, and the whole dish was a symphony of textures and tastes.

From that day on, I was hooked. I couldn't wait to try making the stuffed potatoes on my own. I practiced the recipe over and over again, tweaking it here and there until I had perfected it to my own taste. I made it for my family, my friends, and anyone who was lucky enough to come over for dinner.

Over the years, I continued to make the stuffed potatoes, each time adding a little twist or variation to keep things interesting. I experimented with different types of meat, vegetables, and seasonings, creating new and exciting versions of the classic recipe. I even entered a cooking competition once and won first prize for my unique take on the dish.

As I grew older, the stuffed potatoes became a staple in my family's kitchen. My children and grandchildren would always request them for special occasions or just for a cozy Sunday dinner. I would gladly oblige, happy to pass on the tradition and the love that went into making them.

Now, as I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in Anne's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the knowledge and inspiration she shared with me. The recipe for Potatoes stuffed with Meat has become not just a dish, but a cherished memory of friendship, learning, and love. And I know that as long as I keep cooking it with passion and joy, it will continue to bring happiness and warmth to those who taste it.

So here's to you, Anne, and to the incredible journey that began with a simple recipe and blossomed into a lifelong passion for cooking. Thank you for teaching me how to make Potatoes stuffed with Meat, and for inspiring me to create my own culinary adventures. I will always treasure the memories we shared in your kitchen, and the delicious meals we cooked together. Cheers to good food, good friends, and good times.