Potato Roll (Rotolo di Patate) Recipe
Category: Main Dish
Servings: 4
This delicious Italian Potato Roll combines tender mashed potatoes with savory ingredients like ham and provola cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food, featuring a crispy outer layer and a creamy, cheesy interior. The recipe involves simple ingredients and is a great option for a family meal or special gatherings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (peeled) | 700g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 3 tbsp |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Nutmeg | To taste |
| Cooked ham | 150g |
| Provola cheese (or mozzarella) | 160g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes thoroughly using a fork until smooth. The mashed potatoes should be lump-free to ensure a soft roll texture.
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Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add them to the mashed potatoes. Add the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, a pinch of salt, and freshly grated nutmeg. Mix everything together until well combined. The egg and cheese will help bind the mixture together while also providing flavor.
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Chill the Mixture: To allow the mixture to firm up, refrigerate the potato mixture for about 2 hours. This resting period helps to ensure that the roll holds its shape during the assembly process.
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Shape the Potato Roll: After the potato mixture has chilled, remove it from the fridge. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface and spread the mixture evenly on top. Using a spatula, flatten it into a rectangle about 1/2 cm thick. Make sure the edges are smooth and even.
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Assemble the Roll: Lay the slices of cooked ham evenly over the surface of the mashed potato mixture. Follow by placing the slices of provola cheese on top of the ham. The combination of ham and cheese will create a rich, savory filling inside the potato roll.
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Roll It Up: Carefully lift the parchment paper from one short side and start rolling the potato mixture, gently but firmly. This will create a cylindrical roll. Make sure to roll tightly to keep the filling secure, but don’t press too hard, or it could cause the roll to break. Once rolled, seal the ends by folding them in like a candy wrapper.
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Bake the Roll: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Brush the top of the potato roll with a bit of olive oil for a golden finish. Place the roll on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown and crispy.
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Cool and Slice: After baking, remove the roll from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. It’s important not to unwrap it while it’s still hot. Let the roll rest for about 20 minutes in the fridge to help it set further.
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Grill for a Crispy Finish: Once the roll has cooled and rested, unwrap it carefully. Then, place it under the grill in the oven for about 10 minutes to crisp up the exterior and get a beautifully golden brown color.
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Serve: Once grilled, remove the roll from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. Using a serrated knife, cut the potato roll into even slices. Serve warm and enjoy this delicious, comforting dish!
This potato roll is perfect when served as a main dish or as part of a festive meal. The layers of tender mashed potatoes, savory ham, and melting provola cheese make for a satisfying combination that will impress anyone at the table.
