Jacket potatoes come in all shapes and sizes, and go well with an endless combination of toppings. And while most people make them in the oven, there is one unsual recipe that uses another kitchen appliance to prepare this beloved classic.
Justine Pattison shared her microwave cooking method with BBC Food as she recounted her recipe for a jacket potato filled with spicy beans and tuna. She said: “A jacket potato filled with spicy beans and tuna makes a filling meal whatever time of the day. Using beans already combined with a chilli sauce, means you don’t need to buy a range of different spices to make this dish.
“It’s also delicious made without the tuna and extra cheese instead.”
How to make a jacket potato in the microwave
Ingredients
- One large potato (250g–275g), well washed
- Half a 400g tin beans in chilli sauce
- 50g frozen sweetcorn
- 145g tin tuna chunks, well drained
- 10g cheddar, finely grated
- Ground black pepper
- Pinch dried chilli flakes (optional)
Method
Pierce the skin of the potato five to six times using a fork, then place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it uncovered at full power for three minutes if using a 1000W microwave, or for three minutes and 30 seconds if using an 800W model. Flip the potato over and microwave again on full power for another three minutes (1000W) or three minutes and 40 seconds (800W), or until it becomes tender enough for a knife to slide in without resistance. If it’s still a bit firm, heat it for another one to two minutes – but avoid overcooking, as that can make the texture rubbery. Let it sit for three to four minutes after cooking.
In the meantime, combine the beans and sweetcorn in a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate and heat on full power for three minutes (1000W) or three minutes and 40 seconds (800W), stirring once halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.
Cut the cooked potato open and spoon the hot bean and sweetcorn mixture into the centre. Add the tuna on top, then scatter grated cheddar cheese over the filling. Microwave on full power for approximately one minute, or just until the cheese has melted.
Finish by topping with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of chilli flakes.
