Kumpir (Turkish Loaded Baked Potato)

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 Large baking potato (Russet or similar starchy variety)(Choose a potato that is at least 10-12 oz (280-340g) for a substantial meal.)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter(Room temperature butter will incorporate more easily.)
• 50 g Kashar cheese (or Provolone/Mozzarella)(Grated. Kashar is a mild, semi-hard Turkish cheese. Provolone or a blend of mozzarella and mild cheddar can be substituted.)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper
• as desired Assorted toppings(Classic options include: corn kernels, chopped pickles (dill or sweet), sliced black olives, finely diced Turkish sausage (sucuk), pickled red cabbage, Russian salad (olivye salatasi), ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Thoroughly wash and scrub the potato. Pierce the potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents it from bursting.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Place the potato directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the potato is very tender when squeezed or pierced with a knife. The internal temperature should reach around 99°C (210°F).

   ⏱️ 60-75 minutes
3. 3

   Once baked, carefully remove the potato from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes until it's safe to handle. Slice the potato lengthwise, about two-thirds of the way down, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Gently squeeze the ends of the potato skin towards the center to push the fluffy interior upwards. Using a fork, fluff the inside of the potato. Add the butter and grated Kashar cheese to the fluffy potato flesh. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mash and mix everything together until the butter and cheese are melted and well incorporated, creating a creamy base.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Generously pile your chosen toppings onto the mashed potato mixture. Get creative with your combinations!

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Serve immediately, enjoying the Kumpir directly from its crispy skin with a fork.

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Kumpir is a specialty found in the Ortaköy district of Istanbul, often customized with a wide array of ingredients.
• ✓Don't be afraid to experiment with toppings! Popular choices include corn, pickles, olives, spicy Turkish sausage (sucuk), and various salads.
• ✓Kumpir makes for a fantastic late-night snack or a satisfying light meal.

🔄 Variations

• The beauty of Kumpir lies in its endless topping possibilities. Consider adding grilled vegetables, different types of cheese, or even a fried egg.
• For a vegetarian option, focus on vegetable-based toppings and skip any meat products.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving