Kumpirica - Serbian Stuffed Potatoes

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes 4 large baking potatoes
• 1 cup (240g) shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella) 1 cup (240g) shredded cheese (such as cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
• 4 tablespoons (56g) butter 4 tablespoons (56g) butter
• 4 sausages, cooked and sliced 4 sausages, cooked and sliced
• 1/4 cup (60g) pickles, diced 1/4 cup (60g) pickles, diced
• 1/4 cup (30g) red bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup (30g) red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup (30g) green bell pepper, diced 1/4 cup (30g) green bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup (30g) black olives, sliced 1/4 cup (30g) black olives, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 25g (15g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   Scrub the potatoes clean and pat them dry. Prick each potato several times with a fork.
3. 3.
   Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 1 hour, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
4. 4.
   Remove the potatoes from the oven and let them cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Slice each potato lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through.
6. 6.
   Gently fluff the insides of the potatoes with a fork.
7. 7.
   In a bowl, mix together the shredded cheese, sour cream, and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
8. 8.
   Spoon the cheese mixture into the sliced potatoes, filling them generously.
9. 9.
   Top each potato with sliced sausages, diced pickles, bell peppers, and black olives.
10. 10.
    Place the stuffed potatoes back in the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Choose large baking potatoes with a firm texture for the best results. Make sure to prick them with a fork before baking to allow steam to escape and prevent them from bursting.
• Cheese — Opt for a flavorful cheese such as cheddar or mozzarella that melts well. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste.
• Sausages — Use pre-cooked sausages of your choice, such as smoked sausages or frankfurters. You can also substitute with vegetarian sausages if desired.
• Pickles — Use dill pickles for a tangy and crunchy addition to the filling. Feel free to use sweet pickles if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
• Bell peppers — Red and green bell peppers add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. You can also use yellow or orange bell peppers for variety.

Tips & Tricks

• Customize the fillings: Feel free to experiment with different fillings such as bacon, corn, jalapenos, or even leftover chili.
• Add herbs and spices: Enhance the flavors by adding herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to the cheese mixture.
• Serve with a side salad: Accompany the stuffed potatoes with a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Make it spicy: If you enjoy heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the stuffed potatoes before serving.
• Leftover ideas: Any leftover stuffed potatoes can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a quick and delicious meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Kumpirica hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with additional sour cream and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, place the stuffed potatoes on a platter and arrange the toppings in an attractive manner. The colorful fillings and toppings will make the dish visually appealing and inviting.