Potato Tart

The potato tart is a rustic and tasty dish that can be served as either an appetizer or a main course. Here is the recipe with an Italian twist:

Ingredients

• 1 kg of potatoes
• 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 100 g of cooked ham (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 100 g of mozzarella (or another stretched-curd cheese)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg to taste (optional)
• Butter and breadcrumbs for the baking dish
• Fresh aromatic herbs to taste (e.g., rosemary, parsley)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Peel the potatoes and cook them in salted water until they are soft.
3. Drain the potatoes and mash them with a potato masher or a fork until you have a puree.
4. Add to the potato puree the grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper, and if desired, a dash of nutmeg. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous mixture.
5. If you decide to use the cooked ham, cut it into cubes and add it to the mixture.
6. Butter and sprinkle breadcrumbs into a baking dish, then pour half of the potato mixture.
7. Cut the mozzarella or the cheese you have chosen into cubes and distribute it over the potato layer.
8. Cover with the rest of the potatoes and level the surface.
9. Sprinkle the surface with a little breadcrumbs and a few flakes of butter.
10. Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.
11. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh aromatic herbs for a touch of freshness and flavor.

As a variation, you can add layers of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini or eggplants, to the recipe for an extra touch of color and flavor.

Curiosity

The potato tart can be interpreted in a regional key by adding typical ingredients from different areas of Italy, such as speck and asiago cheese for a Trentino touch, or caramelized onions and anchovies for a Ligurian version.

Enjoy your meal!