Propečeni Krompir sa Slaninom i Prazilukom
A hearty and flavorful baked potato dish featuring crispy bacon and tender leeks, seasoned with paprika and garlic. It's a rustic and comforting side or main course.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(peeled and cut into 2-3 cm cubes)
- 200 g Smoked bacon(diced)
- 2 medium Leeks(white and light green parts only, washed and sliced)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tbsp Sweet paprika
- 1/2 tsp Hot paprika(optional, for heat)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated for even cooking. - 2
In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with vegetable oil, salt, and black pepper.
💡 Tip: Ensure potatoes are evenly coated. - 3
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
💡 Tip: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for crispier potatoes. - 4
Bake for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are starting to soften and brown.
- 5
While potatoes are baking, cook the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
💡 Tip: Reserve bacon fat for extra flavor. - 6
Add the sliced leeks to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
💡 Tip: Cook leeks over medium-low heat to prevent burning. - 7
Add the minced garlic, sweet paprika, and hot paprika (if using) to the leeks and cook for another minute until fragrant.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic or paprika. - 8
Remove the partially baked potatoes from the oven. Add the leek and bacon mixture to the baking sheet with the potatoes.
💡 Tip: Gently toss everything together on the baking sheet. - 9
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown, and the leeks are caramelized.
💡 Tip: Stir halfway through for even browning. - 10
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
💡 Tip: Fresh herbs add a bright finish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For extra crispy potatoes, parboil them for 5 minutes before tossing with oil and seasoning.
- ✓If you don't have bacon, pancetta or smoked ham can be used as substitutes.
- ✓Adjust the amount of paprika to your preference for spice and color.
🔄 Variations
- Add some cubed smoked sausage along with the bacon.
- Incorporate other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips.
- A sprinkle of grated cheese (like Kashkaval or Parmesan) in the last 10 minutes of baking adds richness.