Preparing Mashed Potatoes with Eggs, Cheese, and Mortadella (or Turkey Ham) in the Oven, Irish Style
Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables worldwide, featuring in many delicious recipes in various forms and flavors. Today, we will explore a unique method that combines mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, and mortadella (or turkey ham), inspired by the Irish kitchen, known for its hearty and nutritious dishes, perfect for cold weather.
-Ingredients:
- 5 medium-sized potatoes
- 3 large eggs
- 200 grams of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
- 150 grams of mortadella or turkey ham (any preferred type can be used)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- ½ cup of milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- A pinch of paprika or any spices as desired
- A bit of chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
-Preparation:
1. Prepare the Mashed Potatoes:
Start by boiling the potatoes. Peel the potatoes and cut them into medium-sized pieces, then rinse them well. Place the potatoes in a pot of boiling water with a bit of salt and let them cook for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are soft and easily mashable with a fork.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them thoroughly and place them in a deep bowl. Add the butter while the potatoes are still hot and mash them well with a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Eggs and Milk:
After mashing the potatoes, add the three eggs and mix them well into the potatoes. This is the secret step; the eggs give the potatoes a light and airy texture, making them richer and tastier. Gradually add the milk and continue stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
3. Add the Cheese:
Add the shredded cheese to the mashed potatoes and mix the ingredients well until the cheese melts and blends into the mixture, adding a rich flavor and smooth texture.
4. Assemble the Final Dish:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a buttered or oiled ovenproof dish, spread half of the mashed potato mixture evenly. Then, place slices of mortadella or turkey ham over the potatoes to cover them entirely. You can either leave the mortadella whole or cut it into smaller pieces according to your preference.
Spread the remaining mashed potatoes evenly over the mortadella, covering the filling.
5. Topping and Baking:
For a more appetizing appearance and flavor, you can sprinkle some additional shredded cheese on top of the final potato layer. Sprinkle a bit of paprika or black pepper for color and taste. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the surface becomes golden and slightly crispy.
6. Serving:
After taking the dish out of the oven, let it cool slightly before cutting. You can garnish with some chopped parsley for a fresh green touch. Serve the dish hot, and it can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish.
-Additional Tips:
- For varied flavors: You can add a little crushed garlic or green onions to the mashed potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
- For extra crispiness: Slightly pan-fry the mortadella or turkey ham before adding it to the dish for a crispy layer in the middle.
- Add vegetables: If you want a healthier touch, you can add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the mashed potatoes and mortadella.
This dish stands out for its creamy texture and rich flavor, making it perfect for cold winter days or a hearty meal to share with the family. Try this recipe and enjoy an authentic Irish-inspired taste with a creative twist!
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