Kumpir

Name: Kumpir
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 2 large Potatoes; 2 tbs Butter; 150g Cheese; 1 large Onion; 1 large Red Pepper; Pinch Red Chilli Flakes

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Serves 2 517 kcal per serving Prep 15 min Cook 1 h 15 min

Ingredients

2 large Potatoes
2 tbs Butter
150g Cheese
1 large Onion
1 large Red Pepper
Pinch Red Chilli Flakes

Instructions

Wash the potatoes thoroughly, pat them dry, and bake them whole in their skins until completely tender. This usually takes about 1 hour, depending on their size.
While the potatoes are baking, prepare the filling. Grate the cheese coarsely. Finely chop the onion and dice the red pepper. Place them in a bowl, season with salt, black pepper, and chilli flakes if using, and mix well.
Once the potatoes are cooked, cut each one open lengthways and gently push the sides apart without breaking the skin.
Add the butter to the hot potato flesh and mash it well with a fork until soft and creamy. Stir in the grated cheese so it melts into the potato.
Spoon the prepared vegetable mixture over the top. Serve immediately while the potato is hot and the filling is fresh.

Tips

Use very large, starchy potatoes (like Russets) to ensure there is enough fluffy interior to mix with the butter and cheese.
Whip the potato flesh with butter and grated kaşar (or mozzarella) directly inside the skin until it is extremely creamy.
Wrap the potatoes in foil and bake at a high temperature for at least 90 minutes to get a soft, mashable center.

Variations

Vegetarian: Load with olives, corn, peas, pickled red cabbage, and yogurt sauce.
Meaty: Add sliced hot dogs (sosis) or shredded chicken and a drizzle of ketchup and mayo.

Storage

Kumpir is best assembled and eaten immediately. You can bake the potatoes in advance and reheat them, but the whipped cheese-potato base should be made fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Set up a ’topping bar’ so guests can customize their own potatoes with various salads and sauces.
Serve with a side of extra kisir (bulgur salad) or pickles.