Rustic potatoes
Rustic potatoes with bacon and cabanos
On a rainy autumn day, when the aromas from the kitchen embrace you and make you feel at home, nothing compares to a serving of rustic potatoes with bacon and cabanos. This recipe combines tradition with a touch of innovation, inspired by the recipe proposed by the talented Epurasa (Mariana). It is a comforting dish that will bring a smile to your face, no matter the weather outside.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 kg potatoes (choose smooth-skinned potatoes, such as new or red ones)
- 200 g bacon (opt for smoked bacon for a more intense flavor)
- 150 g cabanos (you can also use other types of sausages, according to your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for a rich aroma)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 onion (finely chopped, preferably white or yellow onion for sweetness)
- 150 g tomato paste
- 150 g sour cream (a thick sour cream will provide a creamy taste)
- 100 g grated cheese (optional, but recommended, especially a strong-flavored cheese)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes (optional, for a touch of freshness)
Preparation:
1. Preparing the ingredients
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly sized cubes, so they cook evenly. Choose firm-textured potatoes that won’t crumble during cooking.
2. Boiling the potatoes
Place the chopped potatoes in salted water and let them boil for 15-20 minutes or until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked, as they will continue to bake in the oven. Once ready, drain them and let them cool slightly.
3. Preparing the sauce
In a large frying pan, add the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the diced bacon and sliced cabanos and fry everything together until crispy and fragrant. This combination will add a deep flavor to your dish.
4. Mixing the sauce
In a separate bowl, combine the tomato paste with the sour cream. Mix well until you have a smooth sauce that will add creaminess and a rich taste to the dish.
5. Assembling
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees Celsius. In a greased baking dish, add half of the boiled potatoes. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste, then pour half of the sour cream and bacon sauce. Continue with the remaining potatoes, followed by the rest of the sauce. Gently mix, being careful not to crush the potatoes.
6. Finalizing
Sprinkle the grated cheese on top and add the whole cherry tomatoes, which will provide a touch of freshness and an attractive appearance. Place the dish in the oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
7. Serving
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly. This dish can be served warm or cold, and it pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or a crunchy pickle. On a weekend evening, a bottle of white wine or a refreshing cocktail would be the ideal accompaniment.
Useful tips:
- To enhance the flavors, add some herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, during the sauce preparation.
- You can experiment with different types of sausages, such as homemade sausages or spicy sausages, to customize the dish.
- If you want a spicier taste, add a few slices of chili pepper to the pan along with the onion.
Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes, protein from the bacon and cabanos, as well as healthy fats from the olive oil and sour cream. The cherry tomatoes add vitamins and antioxidants, making the dish not only delicious but also nutritious.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes will provide a different but delicious taste. Make sure to adjust the boiling time, as they cook faster.
2. What can I use instead of sour cream?
A vegan alternative would be nut yogurt or a plant-based sour cream.
3. Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything and keep the dish in the fridge, then bake it when desired.
4. Why should I use a baking dish?
The baking dish distributes heat evenly and helps achieve a crispy crust on top while keeping moisture inside.
These rustic potatoes with bacon and cabanos are an excellent choice for a family dinner or to impress friends at a festive meal. I promise they will please everyone! Enjoy every bite and cherish every moment spent in the kitchen. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: potatoes 2kg bacon 200g cabanos 150g olive oil salt pepper 1 onion tomato paste 150g 150 sour cream grated cheese 100g - optional cherry tomatoes - optional
