Make It! Kumpir (Turkish Baked Potato)

A Turkish baked potato, known as “Kumpir,” is a popular street food that’s loaded with a variety of delicious toppings. Here’s a recipe to make your own Kumpir at home:

Ingredients

• 4 large baking potatoes (russet potatoes work well)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Toppings (suggestions, but feel free to get creative)

• 1 cup sweet corn, cooked
• 1 cup peas, cooked
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1 cup diced pickles
• 1 cup sliced black olives
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 cup sausage or hot dog slices, cooked
• 1 cup Russian salad (mix of cooked peas, carrots, potatoes, pickles, and mayonnaise)
• Ketchup and mayonnaise for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes. Pierce each potato a few times with a fork. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
3. Prepare the Fillings: While the potatoes are baking, prepare the toppings. Cook the corn, peas, and any other toppings that require cooking. Chop and shred the vegetables and have all the toppings ready.
4. Mash the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are baked, cut each one open lengthwise but not all the way through. Use a fork to gently fluff up the inside of the potato, being careful not to break the skin. Add a half tablespoon of butter and a bit of shredded mozzarella cheese to each potato, mashing it slightly into the potato to mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add Toppings: Start adding your toppings. Traditionally, the first layer is Russian salad, followed by other toppings like corn, peas, carrots, pickles, olives, red cabbage, green onions, tomatoes, and sausage slices.
6. Finish with Sauces: Drizzle ketchup and mayonnaise over the top.
7. Serve: Serve the Kumpir immediately while hot.

Enjoy your homemade Kumpir, packed with the flavors and variety of Turkish street food!