Kumpir Turkish Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe

Alright, so you know those nights when you’re craving something loaded with flavor and just downright comforting? Let me tell you, these stuffed baked potatoes are the ultimate game changer!

I adore the art of crafting Kumpir, a Turkish delight that hails straight from Istanbul. I use the recipe I learned from roadside vendors who serve this dish to the multitudes just outside the gates of any Turkish city.

I think of making Kumpir as being in the same league as making macaroni and cheese – both are comfort food staples that come with big flavor but are super easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• Potatoes: Rich in carbohydrates, providing energy for the body.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers calcium and protein, enhancing creaminess.
• Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Corn: High in fiber, contributing a sweet crunch.
• Green Peas: Good source of plant protein and vitamins.
• Pickles: Introduce a tangy and sour contrast.
• Olives: Bring a savory, salty depth with healthy fats.
• Red Cabbage: Provides fiber and a vibrant color.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy texture with additional richness.
• Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick, enhancing flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 large baking potatoes (such as Russet)
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup corn kernels (canned and drained or cooked fresh)
• 1 cup green peas (canned and drained or cooked fresh)
• 1 cup small pickles, chopped
• 1 cup black or green olives, sliced
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup diced cooked sausage or salami (optional)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• Sriracha or hot sauce (optional, to taste)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for preheating. Carry out a thorough washing and scrubbing of the potatoes to ensure they are clean. After they are clean, and before you place them into the oven, pierce the potatoes a couple of times in various places with a fork.

2. In a preheated oven, set to 400 degrees F, bake the potatoes on a baking sheet for approximately 1 to
1.5 hours, or until fork-tender.

3. After they are baked, take the potatoes from the oven and allow them to cool a little. Slice each potato lengthwise so deeply that you can see the inside of the potato, and then squeeze the ends a little so the potato opens up more.

4. Scoop out the insides of the potatoes into a bowl, leaving the skins intact.
Mash the potato flesh with butter, salt, pepper, and half of the grated cheddar cheese until smooth.

5. Put the mashed potato mixture back into the potato skins, and fluff up the tops to provide space for the toppings.

6. Combine the corn, green peas, minced pickles, sliced olives, and shredded red cabbage in a large mixing bowl.

7. Add diced cooked sausage or salami to the vegetable mixture for added flavor, if you like.

8. Ladle large quantities of the vegetable mixture over the stuffed potatoes, pressing down gently.

9. Add the rest of the grated cheddar cheese to the top of each potato and finish with a dollop of mayonnaise. If you want some spice, then drizzle Sriracha or hot sauce on top.

10. Return the potatoes that have been stuffed to the oven and bake them in the same for another 10-15 minutes, or until you see that the cheese has melted and is looking a little bubbly. Serve them up pronto, while they’re super hot.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Fork
4. Knife
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Medium bowl (for potato insides)
7. Potato masher or fork (for mashing potatoes)
8. Spoon (for scooping and stuffing potatoes)
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Spatula

FAQ

• What type of potatoes are best for Kumpir?Select for optimal texture and creaminess: large starchy potatoes (e.g., Russets).
• Can I use different cheeses?Certainly, cheddar can be swapped for mozzarella or any other cheese that has good melting qualities.
• How do I know when the potatoes are done baking?It should be easy to pierce the potatoes with a fork all the way through, which typically takes about 1 hour at 400°F (200°C).
• Are there vegan alternatives for this recipe?Replace butter with a plant-based alternative, and use vegan cheese and mayonnaise to make it suitable for the partakers of a vegan diet.
• Can I add other toppings?You can definitely add anything from roasted vegetables to bacon bits, depending on your taste.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep any remaining kumpir in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat it again, reheat it in the oven.
• What can I use instead of mayonnaise?Mayonnaise can be replaced with sour cream or yogurt to achieve a different flavor. You can substitute mayonnaise with sour cream or yogurt for a different flavor profile.

Kumpir Turkish Stuffed Baked Potatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute mozzarella or feta cheese for cheddar cheese, and you will have a different flavor profile.
For unsalted butter: Use olive oil in its place for a different kind of richness.
You can use thawed, frozen corn kernels in place of fresh corn. This is an excellent alternative.
For green peas, you can use edamame or chopped green beans as alternatives.
For mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can add creaminess and be a healthier alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Customize the Flavor For an extra boost of flavor, try adding some chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill to the mashed potato mixture or the vegetable topping. Fresh herbs can enhance the overall taste and add a touch of freshness.

2. Perfectly Crispy Skins To achieve crispy potato skins, brush the outside of the potatoes with olive oil or melted butter before baking. This will make the skin crispier, adding a delightful texture contrast to the soft filling.

3. Cheese Variation Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. Try using a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a richer and more complex flavor profile. Smoked cheese can also add an interesting dimension.

4. Bacon Boost For a smoky and savory addition, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits over the top of the stuffed potatoes before baking them for the final time. This will add a delicious crunch and enhance the dish with a classic flavor.

5. Creative Presentation Use a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off to pipe the mashed potato back into the skins. This can give a visually appealing finish and make it easier to add other ingredients on top without overflowing.