Patate ‘mpacchiuse with Tropea Onions – A Traditional Italian Side Dish
Patate ‘mpacchiuse is a classic Italian side dish that hails from southern Italy, specifically from Calabria, where it’s known for its rich, hearty flavors. This dish combines the comforting texture of potatoes with the sweet, delicate taste of Tropea onions. Simple yet flavorful, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any main course. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (preferably waxy) | 930g |
| Red Tropea onions | 240g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 60g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~10g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~150mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by peeling the potatoes. Once peeled, slice them into thick rounds, approximately 3mm each. The thickness of the slices will ensure that they cook evenly, becoming tender yet holding their shape during the cooking process.
Next, peel the red Tropea onions. Slice them in half and then cut them into thin slices, no thicker than half a centimeter. The natural sweetness of the Tropea onions will complement the potatoes beautifully as they cook.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Place a large frying pan or shallow saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the pan and allow it to heat up gently. Olive oil adds a fruity richness to the dish, making it an essential ingredient.
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced potatoes to the pan. Spread them out evenly so that each slice makes contact with the pan for proper cooking. Season the potatoes with salt to enhance their flavor. Cover the pan with a lid to trap the heat and help the potatoes cook faster.
Allow the potatoes to cook for about 20 minutes. During this time, gently shake the pan every few minutes to ensure the potatoes don’t stick to the bottom and burn. You don’t need to stir them vigorously—just enough to keep them moving and prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add the Onions
After the initial 20 minutes, remove the lid. Now, it’s time to add the onions. Spread the sliced Tropea onions over the potatoes in the pan, and let them cook together without stirring too often. It’s important to maintain the integrity of the potatoes, so only stir occasionally to avoid breaking them.
As the potatoes continue to cook, the onions will soften and become caramelized, releasing their natural sweetness, which will infuse the potatoes. The potatoes will begin to brown and become crispy at the edges, while the onions will add a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 5: Finish Cooking
Continue cooking the potatoes and onions for another 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to ensure the potatoes are golden brown on both sides, with a tender interior. If you notice the potatoes beginning to stick to the bottom of the pan, gently scrape them with a wooden spoon to release them, but avoid stirring too much.
Step 6: Serve
Once the potatoes are cooked to perfection, use a slotted spoon or skimmer to remove them from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate. The olive oil from the pan will give them a nice sheen, so there’s no need for paper towels to absorb excess oil.
Serve the Patate ‘mpacchiuse immediately while they’re still hot. This dish is ideal as a side for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a festive meal. The simplicity and richness of the flavors will surely impress your guests.
Enjoy your homemade Patate ‘mpacchiuse with Tropea onions, a taste of Italy on your plate!
This recipe for Patate ‘mpacchiuse is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a mouthwatering dish. It’s both rustic and refined, making it a versatile addition to your meal repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for family and friends, this side dish will never disappoint.
