Gratinated Rolls with Potatoes

The gratinated rolls with potatoes are a hearty and delicious dish that can be served either as a main course or as a second course. Below you will find the recipe.

Ingredients

• 8 thin slices of meat (beef or chicken, depending on preference)
• 4 medium potatoes
• 100 g of cooked ham slices
• 100 g of cheese of choice (mozzarella, scamorza, fontina)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Aromatic herbs to taste (rosemary, thyme, oregano)
• Butter (optional)

Preparation

1. Wash the potatoes and boil them in salted water until they are almost completely cooked, but still slightly al dente. Then, let them cool down and slice them.

2. While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the rolls. Place a slice of cooked ham and a slice of cheese on each slice of meat, then roll up and secure with a toothpick.

3. In an oiled baking dish, place your rolls and potato slices. Season the potato slices with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Sprinkle the rolls and potatoes with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and if you like, add a few flakes of butter on top for a richer gratin.

5. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 20-25 minutes or until the surface is nicely browned and crispy.

6. Serve the rolls hot, accompanied by the gratinated potatoes.

Curiosity

The process of gratinating involves creating a crispy and golden crust on the surface of the dish, thanks to the use of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and sometimes butter. This technique is particularly appreciated in French cuisine but has also become popular in Italy, where it is often used to gratinate vegetables, baked pasta, and meat or fish dishes.