Looking for a perfect recipe that can be a great complement to any meal or be a meal in itself? Why not learn how to bake a potato? The soft, delicious goodness of potatoes within, covered by the golden brown, crispy, nutrient-laden potato skins – what can be a better alternative than a tray of baked potatoes? So try baking a potato and enjoy its great taste.
 

Ingredients: 

To bake a potato, you need the following ingredients:
•    Potatoes – 6-8 pieces
•    Olive Oil – ½ cup
•    Salt - To Taste

Method: 

•    The first step to baking a potato starts with choosing the right ones. Russet potatoes, because of their flaky texture, are best suited for baking a potato. However, you can use any other type of potatoes as well. Also, ensure that the potatoes that you use for this recipe do not have any bruises, spots or sprouts. The larger the size of the potatoes, the longer it will take to cook. Therefore, try using medium sized potatoes. At the same time, when you are baking a batch of, say, 6-8 potatoes, ensure that all of them are more or less of the same size, so that they need more or less the same time to cook.
•    Rinse the potatoes well under cold running water. Scrub it if needed to ensure that they are completely dirt-free. Once cleaned, take a few paper towels and pat them dry.
•    Take a fork and poke each of the clean potatoes about 5-6 times. Ensure that the holes are spaced evenly on the potatoes, so as there is scope for even baking. This lets the potatoes to bake easily from within. It also lets the steam to escape, thereby, avoiding risks of the potatoes being burst.
•    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
•    Lightly coat the potatoes with olive oil. Ensure that all sides are coated well. Now sprinkle some salt on all sides of the potatoes.
•    Arrange the potatoes on the baking tray, in single layer. Place the baking tray on the center rack of your oven. Start baking for about an hour.
•    Once the skins are puffed up and change their color to golden brown, you know that they are done. You can also check their doneness by slightly squeezing them on both sides. If done, then they should easily give in to your squeeze.
•    Once the potatoes are baked well, you need to open them before serving. For this, take a fork and draw a dotted line around the potatoes. Then using your thumb and index finger, squeeze them at both sides so that they open apart.
•    Serve hot. You can also add a layer of cheese or coat it with butter or even sprinkle some dry herbs on them to enhance their flavors.

Baked potatoes, also known jacket potatoes are really this simple to make! A traditional dish, packed with loads of flavors, deliciousness and energy, this is a great dish that can be made anytime and for all meals.

Image credits: ifood.tv