Mediterranean Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests
🍽 Description:
These Mediterranean Stuffed Mashed Potato Nests are comforting, flavorful, and packed with savory goodness. Creamy mashed potatoes are shaped into nests and filled with a spiced Mediterranean-style meat and vegetable mix, then optionally topped with cheese. A beautiful, satisfying dish that’s perfect as a main course or an elegant appetizer!
📝 Ingredients:
For the Potato Nests:
- 3–5 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 3.5 tbsp (50 g) unsalted butter (or olive oil for a lighter version)
- Salt, to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan or crumbled feta for extra flavor
For the Filling:
- 1.1 lbs (500 g) ground beef (or lamb for traditional Mediterranean flavor)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 large tomato, finely diced
- 2.5 oz (70 g) tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian herbs
- A bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Optional: chopped kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added zest
🔧 Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potato Nests:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until fork-tender (12–15 mins).
- Drain and mash with butter (or olive oil), paprika, black pepper, oregano, and dill.
- Mix in Parmesan or feta if using.
- Let cool slightly, then shape mashed potatoes into small nest shapes using your hands or a muffin tin lined with parchment paper.
2. Make the Filling:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add garlic, bell pepper, and tomato. Cook until softened (5–6 mins).
- Stir in ground meat. Cook until browned.
- Add tomato paste, cumin, coriander, thyme/Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened (5–8 mins).
- Stir in parsley and optional olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill each potato nest with the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle with more cheese if desired.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until heated through and lightly golden on top.
- Serve warm with a side salad or tzatziki.
👨👩👧 Servings:
- Makes 6–8 nests, serves 3–4 as a main, or 6–8 as appetizers.
🔍 Nutritional Info (per nest, approx.):
- Calories: 230–280 kcal
- Protein: 15–18g
- Carbs: 18–22g
- Fat: 12–16g
- Fiber: 2–3g
- Sodium: ~320 mg
(Varies based on meat choice and optional ingredients like cheese or olives.)
💡 Notes & Tips:
- Shaping Tip: Use a muffin tin for uniform, easy-to-fill nests.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare both the mashed potatoes and filling in advance. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with cooked lentils, chickpeas, or a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach.
- Cheese Swap: Try mozzarella, kefalotyri, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or harissa to the filling.
🌿 Health Benefits:
- Rich in Protein: Ground beef or lamb provides essential amino acids.
- Balanced Meal: Combines carbs, protein, and fats in one.
- Mediterranean Herbs: Dill, oregano, and parsley offer antioxidants and digestive benefits.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Naturally gluten-free if no flour-containing cheese is used.
❓Q & A:
Q: Can I freeze these potato nests?
A: Yes! Assemble and freeze them before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Q: What can I serve with this dish?
A: A crisp cucumber-tomato salad, tzatziki, or lemony greens pair perfectly.
Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
A: Absolutely. Just note the flavor will be sweeter, which pairs beautifully with the savory meat.
Q: Can I make these vegan?
A: Yes, use mashed sweet potato or vegan butter, and substitute the filling with lentils, mushrooms, or a vegan meat alternative.