Kumpir

Kumpir

Kumpir is a beloved Turkish street food featuring a baked potato filled with buttery mash, melted cheese, and a colorful array of fresh toppings. This customizable dish offers a comforting, hearty meal that's both satisfying and playful.

Side

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

90 min

Servings

2

Originating from Turkey, Kumpir is a vibrant and filling street food that has become a staple for casual meals and snacks. Traditionally, a large potato is baked until perfectly tender, then generously mashed with butter and cheese to create a rich, creamy base. The beauty of kumpir lies in its versatility; after creating the buttery, cheesy mash, you can top it with an assortment of fresh and pickled vegetables, meats, and salads, allowing each bite to be uniquely flavorful. This recipe brings the authentic street-style kumpir to your kitchen, combining simple yet fresh ingredients with a touch of spice from red chilli flakes. The combination of sweet red pepper and sharp onion adds crunch and sweetness to contrast with the creamy potato. The cheese melts into the mash, binding everything together for a satisfying mouthful every time. Kumpir pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a cup of Turkish tea to complete the meal. It's perfect as a cozy lunch or dinner and encourages creativity with toppings, so feel free to experiment with whatever you have on hand. The simplicity of the preparation makes it accessible, while the abundance of flavors offers endless enjoyment.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature to ensure your potatoes bake to a fluffy, tender perfection. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, then prick their skins with a fork a few times to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the potatoes directly on the oven rack and bake for about 70-90 minutes, or until the skins are crisp and the insides yield easily to a fork. While the potatoes bake, prepare your toppings: roughly grate about 150g of cheese—feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for cheesiness. Then, finely chop one large onion and one large red pepper, adding a burst of color and mild sweetness to your kumpir. In a large bowl, combine the grated cheese, chopped onion, and red pepper. Season liberally with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some red chilli flakes—this is optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Once the potatoes are baked and cool enough to handle, slice them open lengthwise without cutting all the way through. Scoop out the fluffy interior into a bowl, leaving a border of skin to hold the mixture. Mash the potato flesh with two tablespoons of butter until creamy and smooth, then fold in the cheese, onion, red pepper mixture, and seasoning. Spoon this rich filling back into the potato skins. For the final touch, feel free to add extra toppings such as sweetcorn, olives, salami, coleslaw, or any other favorites you enjoy—this is where kumpir becomes truly yours. Enjoy your overstuffed, delightfully gooey kumpir warm, perfect for a cozy meal that brings a taste of Turkish street food into your home.

Quick Info

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
90 min
Total Time
105 min
Servings
2

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