This isn’t your average potato recipe! It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that I learned from a Turkish chef, and it’s become my go-to way to cook potatoes. It’s so delicious and easy to make, you can enjoy it any day of the week!
I was never a huge fan of potatoes. I mean, they were bland, boring tubers that mostly sat on the side of my plate, untouched. But then, on a trip to Istanbul, I stumbled upon a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant tucked away on a charming side street. The aroma emanating from the place was unlike anything I’d ever smelled, and it drew me in like a moth to a flame.
Inside, the warmth and the energy were contagious. The owner, a kind-faced Turkish chef named Mehmet, greeted me with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. As I perused the menu, I noticed a dish called “Kiymali Patates.” Now, my Turkish language skills are about as advanced as a toddler’s, but “patates” sounded suspiciously similar to “potato,” and my curiosity was piqued.
Mehmet, sensing my hesitation, boomed with laughter and assured me it was their most popular dish. He then proceeded to explain, with a mix of Turkish and enthusiastic gestures, that this wasn’t your ordinary potato dish. This was a “dünya fetheden,” which translates to “world-conquering.” Now, that was a claim I had to put to the test.
And let me tell you, Mehmet wasn’t exaggerating. From the first bite, I was hooked. The combination of perfectly seasoned ground beef, caramelized onions, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese nestled on a bed of fluffy potatoes was an explosion of flavor in my mouth. It was unlike any potato dish I’d ever experienced, and I knew right then that I had to learn how to make it myself.
Thankfully, Mehmet was more than happy to share his secret recipe with me. Over the next hour, he patiently guided me through each step, his passion for cooking evident in every word and gesture. Since then, this “world-conquering” potato recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s not just delicious, it’s a reminder of the warmth and generosity I found in a little restaurant on a side street in Istanbul. So, if you’re looking for a way to elevate your potato game, give this recipe a try. It might just change your mind about these humble tubers, just like it did mine.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 450 g ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- Salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2-3 tomatoes, chopped
- 200 g grated cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Butter
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Wash the potatoes and cut them into medium cubes. Place them in a pot, cover with water, and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and set the potatoes aside.
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add garlic and bell pepper: Stir in the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, and cook for another minute.
- Simmer with tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the dish: In a baking dish, spread the cooked potatoes in an even layer. Top with the ground beef mixture and sprinkle with grated cheese.
- Bake: Drizzle the top with melted butter and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!
Tips
- You can use any type of cheese you like in this recipe. Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of cheeses would all work well.
- If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley instead.
- This dish is also delicious and served with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream.
This recipe is a great way to elevate your potato game! It’s full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight meal. So give it a try and see why it’s become my favorite way to cook potatoes!
