Transform simple potatoes into a comforting gourmet meal with this recipe for Stuffed Potato Boats. Combining a rich minced meat filling with golden melted mozzarella, these savory boats are perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 large potatoes (1kg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- A pinch of salt
Stuffing:
- 350g minced meat
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 6 coriander sprigs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 100g grated mozzarella
Topping:
- 150g grated mozzarella
Directions
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Wash and dry the potatoes. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt.
- Prick each potato with a fork and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender.
- Prepare the Stuffing:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, coriander, salt, black pepper, curry powder, and paprika. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Assemble Potato Boats:
- Once the potatoes are baked, cut them in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer to form a sturdy potato “boat.”
- Fill each boat with the minced meat mixture and sprinkle grated mozzarella on top.
- Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and versatility of this comforting dish that will surely become a household favorite!
Transforming Simple Potatoes into Gourmet Comfort: The Allure of Stuffed Potato Boats
Stuffed Potato Boats are a testament to the idea that simple ingredients can be transformed into a dish worthy of both family dinners and festive occasions. This recipe elevates humble potatoes into a gourmet experience by combining their natural heartiness with a flavorful minced meat filling and golden, melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these savory boats deliver both comfort and sophistication.
A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
One of the defining traits of Stuffed Potato Boats is their versatility. The dish can serve as a satisfying main course for a weeknight dinner or as an impressive centerpiece for a gathering. With its customizable filling and toppings, it caters to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences. You can easily adjust the recipe to include vegetarian or vegan options by substituting the minced meat and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
The Perfect Potato: A Canvas for Creativity
The potato serves as the perfect base for this dish, offering a sturdy yet tender vessel for the flavorful stuffing. Its mild taste allows the rich and aromatic filling to shine, while its creamy texture enhances the overall mouthfeel. The recipe takes advantage of the potato’s natural versatility by first baking it to perfection, ensuring a balance of crispy skin and soft interior.
The preparation of the potato boats highlights their adaptability. Once baked, the potatoes are halved and hollowed out to create “boats.” This step not only maximizes the space for the savory filling but also ensures that every bite delivers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors.
The Star of the Show: A Flavorful Filling
The stuffing is where this dish truly comes to life. The combination of minced meat, aromatic spices, and fresh coriander creates a symphony of flavors that complements the potato base. Sautéing onions and garlic provides a fragrant and savory foundation, while the addition of tomato sauce adds a tangy richness. Spices like paprika and curry powder bring warmth and depth, transforming the filling into a robust and hearty mixture.
The grated mozzarella folded into the stuffing adds a creamy, indulgent element. As the cheese melts into the meat mixture, it binds the ingredients together and ensures a velvety texture with every bite. For an extra layer of decadence, additional mozzarella is sprinkled on top before baking, resulting in a beautifully golden and bubbling crust.
Healthful Indulgence: A Balanced Comfort Food
Despite its indulgent appearance, Stuffed Potato Boats can be surprisingly balanced in terms of nutrition. Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins such as vitamin C and potassium. The minced meat provides protein and iron, while the use of olive oil ensures healthy fats. By controlling the quantity of cheese and choosing lean meat options, you can further tailor the dish to suit your dietary goals.
A Dish That Brings People Together
Stuffed Potato Boats are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. Preparing this dish offers an opportunity to involve family or friends in the kitchen. From scooping out the potatoes to layering the filling, the process can be both fun and rewarding. When served, the boats invite sharing and conversation, making them a perfect choice for communal dining.
Customization and Creativity
This recipe also encourages creativity. While the classic minced meat filling is irresistible, you can experiment with various alternatives to suit your taste. For a vegetarian version, try using sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and ricotta. For a spicier take, consider adding chili flakes or using a spicy sausage as the base of the filling. The possibilities are endless, making Stuffed Potato Boats a dish you can revisit time and again with a fresh twist each time.
Conclusion: Comfort Meets Elegance
Stuffed Potato Boats strike a perfect balance between comfort and elegance. They transform simple ingredients into a dish that is not only visually appealing but also deeply satisfying. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a hearty meal, these savory boats are a surefire way to elevate your dining experience. Their adaptability, rich flavors, and ease of preparation ensure that this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
By incorporating these stuffed delights into your meal rotation, you’re not just serving food—you’re creating moments of joy and connection around the dinner table.
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Stuffed Potato Boats
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
Transform simple potatoes into a comforting gourmet meal with this recipe for Stuffed Potato Boats. Combining a rich minced meat filling with golden melted mozzarella, these savory boats are perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 3 large potatoes (1kg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- A pinch of salt
Stuffing:
- 350g minced meat
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
- 6 coriander sprigs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 100g grated mozzarella
Topping:
- 150g grated mozzarella
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Wash and dry the potatoes. Rub them with olive oil and sprinkle with a little salt.
- Prick each potato with a fork and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender.
- Prepare the Stuffing:
- While the potatoes are baking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan.
- Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the minced meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, coriander, salt, black pepper, curry powder, and paprika. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Assemble Potato Boats:
- Once the potatoes are baked, cut them in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the insides, leaving a thin layer to form a sturdy potato “boat.”
- Fill each boat with the minced meat mixture and sprinkle grated mozzarella on top.
- Bake the Stuffed Potatoes:
- Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh coriander or parsley if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour