Potato Parmigiana (Parmigiana di Patate) Recipe
Category: Main Dish
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
A savory and comforting twist on the classic Parmigiana, this Potato Parmigiana is made with creamy layers of soft potatoes, rich bechamel sauce, melting provola cheese, and delicate slices of prosciutto cotto. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner, this dish brings all the flavors of a classic Parmigiana in a heartwarming potato form.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes (peeled) | 1 kg |
| Cooked ham (prosciutto cotto) | 160 g |
| Provola cheese (sliced) | 350 g |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 100 g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
| Whole milk | 500 ml |
| Butter | 50 g |
| All-purpose flour | 25 g |
| Ground nutmeg | to taste |
| Pinch of salt | 1 pinch |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bechamel Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and stir continuously to make a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season the sauce with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add a dash of freshly grated nutmeg for extra flavor. Once the sauce is thick and smooth, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into slices about 5 mm thick.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato slices and cook for about 10 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly without letting them fall apart. The potatoes should remain intact and not fully cooked at this stage.
- Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly. Once they are manageable, cut them into uniform slices if needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Potato Parmigiana
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a rectangular baking dish (about 28×18 cm or 11×7 inches) with a bit of butter or oil. Begin by spreading a thin layer of the prepared bechamel sauce across the bottom of the dish.
- Place half of the potato slices on top of the bechamel, overlapping them slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Layer half of the provola cheese slices over the potatoes, followed by half of the cooked ham.
- Repeat the layers: cover with another layer of bechamel sauce, then add the remaining potatoes, another sprinkle of salt and pepper, the remaining provola, and the rest of the prosciutto cotto.
- Finish by covering the top with the remaining bechamel sauce and a generous sprinkling of grated Grana Padano.
Step 4: Bake the Potato Parmigiana
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or a skewer into the potatoes. If it slides in easily, the dish is ready.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once baked, remove the Potato Parmigiana from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this hearty and delicious dish with your loved ones!
Tips for a Perfect Potato Parmigiana
- Bechamel Sauce: To ensure a lump-free sauce, always whisk constantly when adding the milk. If you want a richer sauce, you can replace some of the milk with cream.
- Potatoes: Choose starchy potatoes, like Russets, for the best texture. Don’t overcook them in the water to prevent them from becoming too mushy when layered.
- Cheese Options: If provola cheese isn’t available, you can substitute it with mozzarella or fontina for similar meltiness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
This Potato Parmigiana is sure to become a favorite in your family, offering all the comforting flavors of the classic dish in a deliciously new form.
