Healthy and Cheap Potato and Egg Bake: A Delightful and Nutritious Dish

If you’re in search of a meal that’s both wallet-friendly and a delight to the taste buds, look no further than the Potato and Egg Bake. This recipe combines the humble yet versatile potato with a flavorful topping of vegetables and melted cheese, all bound together by a light and airy batter. Perfect for any meal of the day, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank.

Flavorful, Economical, and Wholesome

The Potato and Egg Bake is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a scrumptious dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. It features layers of thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a smooth batter, baked to perfection, and topped with sautéed onions, peppers, and melted cheese. This dish is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients from its natural ingredients.

Preparation Time:

  • Total Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

For the Bake:

  • 3 potatoes
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil (20 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons of yogurt
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • 1 glass of flour (120 g)
  • 1 pack of baking powder (10 g)

For the Topping:

  • 1 onion
  • 3 red and green peppers
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil (20 ml)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • 2 green onions
  • 50 grams of Cheddar cheese (grated)
  • Mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into thin slices.
  2. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, yogurt, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, stirring until you get a smooth batter.
  3. Coat the Potatoes: Dip each potato slice into the batter, ensuring it is well coated.
  4. Arrange in Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a baking dish with olive oil and arrange the coated potato slices in a single layer.
  5. First Cooking: Bake the potatoes for about 30 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
  6. Prepare the Topping: While the potatoes are baking, chop the onion and peppers into small pieces. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the vegetables until they are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Final Assembly: Remove the partially baked potatoes from the oven. Spread the sautéed vegetables evenly over the potatoes. Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
  8. Second Cooking: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the dish from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh mint leaves. Slice the bake into squares or portions and serve warm.

Serving Suggestion

This Potato and Egg Bake is ideal for serving warm as a standalone dish or alongside a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a comforting weekend brunch.

Nutritional Benefit

This dish is a great source of carbohydrates from the potatoes, which provide energy. The eggs offer high-quality protein and fats, essential for body repair and health. Vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, promoting overall health. The yogurt and cheese contribute calcium and probiotics, beneficial for bone health and digestion.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure the potatoes are thinly sliced to cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
  • Keep an eye on the oven during the second baking to prevent the cheese from burning.
  • The dish can be prepped in advance up to the first bake and then finished before serving to save time.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Versatility: Serves well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
  2. All-Season Friendly: Ingredients are readily available year-round.
  3. Family Favorite: Loved by both adults and children.
  4. Nutritious: Offers a balanced mix of macronutrients and micronutrients.
  5. Economical: Uses basic, cost-effective ingredients.

Conclusion

The Potato and Egg Bake is a testament to the beauty of simple cooking. It combines everyday ingredients to create a dish that is both flavorful and nutritious. With its easy preparation and delicious outcome, it’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation, proving that good food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Try making this delightful dish today and enjoy the pleasure of homemade comfort food.