5 amazing Latvian cuisine recipe dishes using potatoes!
- Rupjmaizes Kārtojums (Potato and Rye Bread Casserole) - a traditional Latvian casserole made with sliced potatoes, rye bread, onions, and bacon. It's a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a cold winter day.
Here is a recipe for Rupjmaizes Kārtojums (Potato and Rye Bread Casserole):
Ingredients:
4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
4 slices of rye bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 small onion, diced
4 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 cup of water
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large baking dish, layer the potatoes, rye bread, onion, and bacon.
Pour the water over the top and season with salt and pepper.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
Serve hot and enjoy!
- Kartupeļu Pīrāgs (Potato Pie) - a savory pie made with grated potatoes, onions, and bacon, baked in a pie crust. It's a popular dish for special occasions and holidays.
Ingredients:
2 cups of grated potatoes
1 small onion, grated
4 slices of bacon, diced
2 tablespoons of butter
1 egg, beaten
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pan, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter and add the grated onion. Cook until the onion is softened and fragrant.
In a large bowl, mix together the grated potatoes, cooked bacon, and sautéed onions. Stir in the beaten egg and season with salt and pepper.
Place the pie crust in a pie dish and pour the potato mixture into the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
- Kartupeļu Plācenis (Potato Pancakes) - thin, crispy pancakes made with grated potatoes and flour, usually served with sour cream or apple sauce.
Ingredients:
2 cups of grated potatoes
1/2 cup of flour
1 egg
1/2 cup of milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil or butter, for frying
Instructions:
In a large bowl, mix together the grated potatoes, flour, egg, and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add enough oil or butter to coat the bottom of the pan.
Drop spoonfuls of the potato mixture into the hot pan and flatten slightly with a spatula.
Cook the pancakes for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
Remove the pancakes from the pan and drain on a paper towel.
Repeat with the remaining potato mixture.
Serve the pancakes hot, with sour cream or apple sauce on the side. Enjoy!
- Kartupeļu Ēdieni (Potato Dishes) - a variety of dishes made with boiled, mashed, or roasted potatoes, often served with gravy or a sauce.
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and quartered
4 tablespoons of butter
1/2 cup of milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Gravy:
4 tablespoons of butter
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
3 cups of beef broth
2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
To make the mashed potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher or an electric mixer.
Add the butter and milk, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until the potatoes are smooth and creamy.
To make the gravy: In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
Gradually add the beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the gravy has thickened.
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and season with salt and pepper.
Serve the mashed potatoes hot, with the gravy on top. Enjoy!
- Kartupeļu Zupa (Potato Soup) - a creamy soup made with potatoes, onions, and broth, often garnished with herbs and spices. It's a comfort food that's perfect for a cold day.
Ingredients:
4 large potatoes, peeled and diced
1 small onion, diced
4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup of milk
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
In a large pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the potatoes and onions, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the milk mixture to the pot with the potatoes and onions. Bring the soup to a boil and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!