Ingredients:

For Cheesy Potato Casserole

• 9 potatoes
• Vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1 white onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 carrot
• 1 yellow pepper
• 1 tomato
• Parsley and dill (for garnish)
• 100 g mozzarella cheese (3.52 ounces)
• 80 g cream cheese (2.82 ounces)
• Salt to taste

For Garlic Tomato Sauce

• Tomato sauce (quantity as desired)
• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro
• 3 cloves garlic
• Salt to taste

For Vegetable Potato Bake

• 1 kg potatoes (35.27 ounces)
• 1 white onion
• Vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1 clove garlic
• 100 g mushrooms (3.52 ounces)
• 1 zucchini
• Salt, black pepper, ground coriander (to taste)
• Butter (for greasing)
• 2 tablespoons canned corn
• 4 eggs
• 50 g sour cream (1.76 ounces)
• 70 g cheese (2.46 ounces)
• Parsley and dill (for garnish)

Steps to Make It:

Cheesy Potato Casserole

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes until tender. Mash them and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a pan. Sauté chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, yellow pepper, and tomato until softened. Season with salt.
3. Assemble the Casserole: In a baking dish, layer the mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, and dollops of cream cheese. Top with grated mozzarella cheese.
4. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and dill on top before serving.

Garlic Tomato Sauce

1. Prepare the Garlic: Mince the garlic cloves finely.
2. Blend the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine tomato sauce, fresh cilantro, minced garlic, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth.
3. Simmer: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Serve: Use as a dipping sauce or drizzle over your favorite potato dish.

Vegetable Potato Bake

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. Set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat oil in a pan. Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, mushrooms, and zucchini until lightly browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground coriander.
3. Layer the Bake: Grease a baking dish with butter. Layer the potatoes, cooked vegetables, and canned corn.
4. Prepare the Topping: Whisk eggs with sour cream. Pour the mixture over the layers. Top with grated cheese.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and set.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and dill before serving.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Cheesy Potato Casserole

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 10g

Garlic Tomato Sauce

• Calories: 50 (per 2 tbsp serving)
• Protein: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 2g

Vegetable Potato Bake

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 12g

Note: Values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare these dishes ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and vegetable bake ahead of time and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving.

2. Can I substitute mozzarella with another cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar, gouda, or a blend of cheeses work well in these recipes.

3. Can I make the tomato sauce spicier?
Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

4. Are these dishes vegetarian?
Yes, all three recipes are vegetarian. You can add cooked meat or plant-based protein if desired.

Tips for Perfect Potato Dishes

1. Choose the Right Potatoes: Use starchy potatoes like Russets for mashing and waxy potatoes for slicing and baking.
2. Season Generously: Potatoes absorb flavors well, so don’t skimp on seasonings.
3. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, and cilantro enhance the flavors significantly.
4. Layer Evenly: When assembling baked dishes, ensure even layers for consistent cooking.
5. Cook the Vegetables: Pre-cooking vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms prevents them from releasing excess water into the bake.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store leftovers in airtight containers.
   • The casserole and bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
2. Freezing:
   • Freeze the baked dishes in individual portions for up to 2 months.
   • Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Sauce Storage:
   • The garlic tomato sauce can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
   • Freeze the sauce in small portions for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Potato Trio Feast showcases the endless possibilities of this humble ingredient. From the creamy and cheesy casserole to the tangy garlic tomato sauce and hearty vegetable potato bake, these recipes cater to a variety of tastes and occasions. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy meal for your family, these dishes bring warmth and comfort to the table. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this trio proves that potatoes can truly shine in any kitchen. Try them today, and let these recipes become your new household favorites