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Potato Gateau with Ham and Peas

17/11/2023

Potato gateau, also known as “gattò di patate”, is a typical dish from Neapolitan cuisine, rich and tasty. Here is a version with ham and peas that you might enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg of potatoes
  • 100 g of cooked ham (cubed or into strips)
  • 100 g of peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 100 g of mozzarella (diced)
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 50 g of butter
  • Nutmeg (to taste)
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Breadcrumbs (for breading)
  • Butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Preparation

  1. Start by boiling the potatoes in salted boiling water until they become soft. Then, drain them, peel them while they are still hot and mash them with a potato masher or a food mill.

  2. Cook the peas in salted boiling water for about 10 minutes if they are fresh, or follow the instructions on the package if they are frozen.

  3. In a large enough bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with the butter, eggs, and Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of nutmeg to taste.

  4. Add the cooked ham and peas (well drained), mixing carefully to distribute the ingredients evenly.

  5. Also incorporate the diced mozzarella, which will give the gateau its stringy texture.

  6. Take a baking dish, grease it with some butter and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs. Pour the potato mixture into the dish and level the surface with the back of a spoon.

  7. Sprinkle the surface of the gateau with more breadcrumbs and dots of butter to achieve a nice golden crust.

  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 200 °C for about 40 minutes, or until the gateau is golden and crispy on top.

  9. Let the potato gateau cool down for a few minutes before serving.

Did you know?

The name “gattò” comes from the French word “gâteau”, which means cake, introduced into Neapolitan cuisine during the Bourbon rule period. This dish has historical roots that go back to the 18th century, when the Neapolitan nobility were influenced by French cuisine.

And remember, the potato gateau is a very versatile dish that allows you to use leftovers of ham or other cold cuts and cheeses. You can also enrich it with other types of cheese or replace the peas with other types of vegetables to taste. Enjoy your meal!