Potato Pie (Sformato di Patate)
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
This creamy and flavorful potato pie, or sformato di patate, is a delightful Italian side dish that combines tender mashed potatoes with smoky pancetta, sweet peas, and a touch of cheese. Perfect for any special meal or gathering, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser, offering the comfort of mashed potatoes with the added complexity of savory flavors. With a crispy, golden crust and a soft, creamy interior, this potato pie is both satisfying and versatile.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (with skin) | 1 kg (about 2.2 lbs) |
| Frozen peas | 200g (7 oz) |
| Smoked pancetta (cubed) | 60g (2 oz) |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Chives (chopped) | 1 tbsp |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP (grated) | 70g (2.5 oz) |
| Butter | 20g (1.5 tbsp) |
| Whole milk | 100ml (3.4 fl oz) |
| Vegetable broth (if needed) | As needed |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
To begin making this delicious potato pie, wash the potatoes (leave the skin on) and boil them in salted water for about 40 minutes. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, you can cook the potatoes in a pressure cooker for about 20 minutes, adjusting the time depending on the size of the potatoes. Once the potatoes are cooked, remove them from the water and set them aside to cool slightly.
While waiting for the boiled potatoes to cool, peel and thinly slice the remaining 400g of raw potatoes into approximately 3mm thick slices using a mandolin. Once sliced, blanch these raw slices in boiling salted water for about 15 minutes until they become tender. Drain and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Cook the Pancetta and Peas
In a non-stick pan, heat the cubed pancetta over medium heat. Allow the pancetta to brown and release its delicious smoky flavors. Once it’s nicely crisped, add the peas and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. If the mixture begins to dry out, add a few tablespoons of vegetable broth to keep everything moist and flavorful. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Mash the Potatoes
Peel the boiled potatoes and pass them through a potato ricer or mash them with a masher to create a smooth, lump-free puree. Stir in the cooked pancetta and peas, followed by the eggs, grated Parmigiano Reggiano (saving a couple of tablespoons for topping), chopped chives, and milk. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Potato Pie
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a loaf pan (1 to 1.5 liters capacity) with parchment paper. Arrange the cooled boiled potato slices along the bottom and up the sides of the pan, ensuring that the edges are well-covered. Carefully spoon the mashed potato mixture into the pan, pressing it gently to ensure it fills the corners.
Top the pie with the reserved grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and place small dollops of butter on top for added richness and flavor.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Place the potato pie in the oven and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F), or until the top begins to turn golden and crispy. For an extra golden crust, increase the oven temperature to 210°C (410°F) for the last 10 minutes and switch the oven to broil (grill) mode. This will give the top a beautiful, crispy finish.
Once the pie is golden and bubbling, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing. Serve as a side dish with your favorite meat or as a standalone vegetarian option.
Tips and Variations:
- Creamy Variation: For a richer, creamier texture, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream.
- Herb Variations: Add different herbs such as thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
- Meat-Free Option: For a vegetarian version, you can omit the pancetta and add more peas or even spinach for an extra layer of flavor.
This potato pie is an excellent choice for holiday meals, family gatherings, or any time you want to elevate a simple side dish to something extraordinary. Its balance of creamy potato filling and smoky pancetta, with the delightful pop of peas, makes it a perfect comfort food with a gourmet touch.
