Kumpir (Turkish Baked Potatoes)

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 red onion
• 1 red bell pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• ½ cup sweet corn (optional)
• ¼ cup black olives (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork.
2. Bake potatoes directly on the oven rack for 60-70 minutes, or until very tender when squeezed.
3. While potatoes bake, finely chop the red onion and red bell pepper. Combine them in a bowl with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
4. Once potatoes are baked, carefully slice them lengthwise down the middle without cutting all the way through. Fluff the inside flesh with a fork.
5. Add butter and shredded cheese into each potato. Mash the butter and cheese into the hot potato flesh until well combined and creamy.
6. Top the mashed potato mixture generously with the chopped onion and pepper mixture. Add optional toppings like corn and olives.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your customizable Kumpir.