Makalo with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed 2 pounds (900g) potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 roasted red peppers, peeled and diced 2 roasted red peppers, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt 1/2 cup (120g) plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) for garnish Fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Boil the potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the roasted red peppers to the pan and cook for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Mash the boiled potatoes using a potato masher or a fork until smooth.
5. 5.
   Stir in the sautéed garlic and red peppers mixture into the mashed potatoes.
6. 6.
   Gradually add the yogurt to the potato mixture, stirring well to combine.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Transfer the Makalo to a serving dish and garnish with fresh herbs.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture for the Makalo.
• Roasted red peppers — If you don't have roasted red peppers, you can roast fresh red peppers in the oven until charred and then peel and dice them.
• Yogurt — Use plain yogurt with a creamy consistency for the best results. Greek yogurt can also be used for a thicker and tangier Makalo.

Tips & Tricks

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the mashed potatoes.
• Experiment with different herbs for garnish, such as chives or basil, to add a unique twist to the Makalo.
• Serve the Makalo alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftover Makalo can be reheated in the oven or stovetop with a little extra olive oil to maintain its creamy consistency.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic according to your preference for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Makalo as a side dish with your favorite Bulgarian main course, such as grilled kebabs or stuffed peppers. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone dish with a side of fresh salad and crusty bread.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, create a well in the center of the Makalo and drizzle it with a swirl of olive oil. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for a pop of color. Serve it in a rustic ceramic dish to showcase the traditional Bulgarian roots of the dish.