Country-Style Potatoes (Patate alla Contadina)
Category: Side Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 1 kg |
| Tomato pulp (or crushed tomatoes) | 500 g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50 g |
| Red onion | 1 |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Fresh chili pepper | to taste |
| Fresh parsley | to taste |
| Thyme | to taste |
| Marjoram | to taste |
| Ground black pepper | to taste |
Instructions
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Prepare the Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing and peeling the potatoes. Once cleaned, cut them into 2.5 cm cubes, making sure they are evenly sized to cook uniformly.
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Prepare the Onion: Peel the red onion, slice it in half, then cut each half into quarters. Next, thinly slice the quarters into approximately 3-4 mm pieces, ensuring the onion pieces are delicate and ready to soften as they cook.
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Cooking the Onion: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large, thick-bottomed casserole or saucepan. Once the oil is warm, add the sliced onion. Stir occasionally, allowing the onion to soften and become translucent.
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Add the Potatoes: Once the onions are softened and slightly caramelized, add the potato cubes to the pan. Season the potatoes with a pinch of fine salt, then stir to coat them in the oil and onion mixture. Allow the potatoes to brown slightly by cooking them for a couple of minutes.
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Add the Tomato Pulp: Pour in the tomato pulp, ensuring that the potatoes are almost entirely submerged in the sauce. Stir gently to combine the ingredients. The tomato pulp should begin to simmer, and the rich aroma of the dish will fill the kitchen.
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Seasoning: Sprinkle in ground black pepper to taste, and stir again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the dish. For a touch of heat, add fresh chili pepper according to your spice preference.
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Simmering the Potatoes: Cover the pan and let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and fully cooked through. If needed, add a bit of water during the cooking process to keep the potatoes from drying out.
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Finishing Touches: Once the potatoes are tender, sprinkle fresh thyme, marjoram, and parsley over the top. These herbs will add a burst of freshness and flavor to the dish, completing the rustic country-style feel of this recipe.
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Serving: Serve your country-style potatoes hot, garnished with a little extra parsley if desired. They make a perfect side dish for grilled meats, roasted poultry, or as a standalone vegetarian dish for a cozy meal.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate values per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
This recipe for Country-Style Potatoes is a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings together the earthy taste of potatoes with the richness of tomato and the aromatic freshness of herbs. Perfect for any meal, it brings a taste of traditional Italian country cooking right to your table.
