Rustic Golden Potato Bake

🥔 Rustic Golden Potato Bake

A hearty, wholesome bake full of rustic flavor and golden goodness. Perfect for brunch, a light dinner, or as a satisfying side dish.

📝 Ingredients:

3 large potatoes, peeled and grated
1 onion, finely chopped
1 carrot, peeled and grated
1 bell pepper, finely chopped (any color, red adds sweetness)
3 eggs, beaten
300 ml milk (whole or plant-based milk both work well)
200 g wholemeal flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
Olive oil for frying and greasing the baking dish

🍽️ Instructions:

1. Prepare the vegetables:

Peel and grate the potatoes and carrot.
Finely chop the onion and bell pepper.
If the potatoes release excess liquid after grating, place them in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out some of the moisture. This helps avoid sogginess in the final bake.

2. Lightly sauté the vegetables (optional but recommended):

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, grated carrot, and bell pepper, and cook for about 4–5 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the grated potatoes last and cook for another 3–4 minutes, just to lightly remove their raw edge.
Let the mixture cool slightly before continuing.

🔥 This step adds flavor and removes moisture — skip it if you want a more raw, earthy bake, but sautéing brings out sweetness and depth.

3. Mix the batter:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
In a separate bowl, combine the wholemeal flour and baking powder, then gradually stir the dry ingredients into the egg mixture to form a thick batter.

4. Combine everything:

Add the sautéed (or raw) vegetable mixture into the batter and mix thoroughly. The texture should be thick, almost like a chunky pancake batter. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, or your favorite herbs for extra flavor (thyme, parsley, or smoked paprika work well).

5. Bake:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a medium-sized baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Pour the mixture into the dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden on top and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

⏳ You may want to broil for the last 2–3 minutes to get an extra golden crust.

6. Rest and Serve:

Let the bake rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier.

Serve warm as a main dish with a side salad or roasted veggies, or as a side alongside grilled meats, tofu, or eggs.

🧡 Optional Add-Ins:

Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup grated cheddar or Parmesan for a richer flavor.
Spices: Add a pinch of cumin, paprika, or chili flakes for a little kick.
Herbs: Try adding fresh parsley, dill, or chives for a springy note.
Protein Boost: Toss in cooked lentils, shredded chicken, or crumbled feta.

🌱 Storage & Reheating:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or in a skillet with a little oil for crispy edges.