Brazilian recipe
Creamy Brazilian-Style Baked Potatoes (Batata de forno)
A comforting Brazilian family favourite, these baked potato layers with ham and cheese are perfect for a quick, hearty weeknight supper.
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Ingredients
6 medium potatoes
200g cheese (a good melting variety like mature cheddar or mozzarella)
200g ham, sliced
2 medium onions
2 medium tomatoes
Pitted olives, to taste
Dried oregano, to taste
400g (1 tin) tomato purée or passata
200g cheese (a good melting variety like mature cheddar or mozzarella)
200g ham, sliced
2 medium onions
2 medium tomatoes
Pitted olives, to taste
Dried oregano, to taste
400g (1 tin) tomato purée or passata
Where to find ingredients
You can find all these staples at any major UK supermarket. For the cheese, a standard mature cheddar works brilliantly for a flavourful melt, though mozzarella is great if you prefer a milder, stretchier texture. The 'molho de tomate' is best replaced by standard tinned chopped tomatoes or a smooth passata found in the pasta aisle. Pitted olives and dried oregano are readily available in the herb and spice or international sections of any local grocery shop.
Preparation method
- Cut the potatoes into medium-sized cubes and parboil them in boiling water until just tender, being careful not to let them break apart
- Drain the potatoes well and slice them into rounds
- In a pan, gently sauté the sliced onions until they turn golden and sweet
- Stir in the tomato sauce, sliced tomatoes, chopped olives, and oregano to the pan. Let it bubble away for a few minutes to develop the flavours
- In a baking dish, begin layering: start with a layer of ham, followed by a layer of cheese
- Add a layer of the prepared tomato sauce, then follow with a layer of the potato rounds
- Repeat the layers of ham, cheese, sauce, and potato until you have used up all your ingredients, finishing with a generous scattering of cheese on top for a perfect golden finish
- Pop the dish into a preheated oven at 180°C and bake until the cheese is bubbling and nicely browned
- Take it out of the oven and serve whilst piping hot
Observations
Batata de forno is a classic Brazilian comfort food, loved for its simple yet deeply satisfying combination of flavours. By layering tender parboiled potatoes with savoury ham, plenty of melted cheese, and a rich tomato-based sauce, you get a fuss-free meal that is both filling and incredibly easy to pull together. It is an ideal go-to dish for busy evenings when you want something homemade and warming that the whole family will tuck into with delight.
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