Welcome to Love With Recipes, your ultimate destination for delightful and mouthwatering dishes that are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Today, we bring you a heartwarming and delectable recipe that will make your house smell absolutely divine—Peasant Potato Casserole. This dish is an adaptation from the beloved cookbook, Quick Vegetarian Pleasures, and is perfect as a side to lamb or any other meat of your choice. Using red potatoes, this recipe ensures a perfect texture every time, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion.
Peasant Potato Casserole
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 1 hour 15 minutes | 1 hour 35 minutes |
Description
This Peasant Potato Casserole is not only a visual delight but also an aromatic feast that will welcome your guests with open arms. The combination of tender potatoes, savory onions, fragrant garlic, and juicy tomatoes, all smothered in a rich tomato paste and olive oil mixture, promises a hearty and satisfying experience. The added touch of oregano and a generous sprinkle of Romano and Parmesan cheeses towards the end of baking gives this dish its final flavor punch.
Ingredients
- 6 onions, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- 2 cups grated Romano cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 348.8 kcal
- Fat: 14.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 7.4 mg
- Sodium: 220.3 mg
- Carbohydrates: 49.1 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugars: 10.8 g
- Protein: 8.9 g
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your oven is at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake.
-
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced onions, minced garlic, and chopped tomatoes. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
-
Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, beat together the tomato paste, olive oil, water, oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture should be well combined and smooth, creating a rich and flavorful sauce.
-
Combine and Coat: Pour the sauce over the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly so that each piece of vegetable is well coated with the flavorful tomato sauce.
-
Arrange in Baking Dish: Grease a large, shallow baking dish, such as a lasagna pan. Spread the vegetable mixture evenly in the dish. It’s important that the vegetables aren’t too deep in the pan to ensure even cooking.
-
First Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to steam and begin to tenderize.
-
Second Bake: After the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 45 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will become beautifully tender and slightly caramelized.
-
Add the Cheese: About 20 minutes before the end of the baking time, sprinkle the grated Romano and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the casserole. This will melt and form a delicious, golden crust.
-
Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. You can test the potatoes by piercing them with a fork—they should be soft and easy to pierce.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is perfect as a side to lamb, beef, or any meat, but it can also be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main course.
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Red potatoes work best in this recipe as they hold their shape well and do not become gummy. However, you can experiment with other types if you prefer.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to use other types of cheese based on your preference. A blend of mozzarella and cheddar can add a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: For an extra nutritional boost, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices. Basil, thyme, or rosemary can be great additions to the oregano for an even more aromatic casserole.
This Peasant Potato Casserole is a delightful and versatile dish that will surely become a staple in your kitchen. It’s perfect for entertaining guests, family dinners, or even as a comforting meal on a cozy night in. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and the comforting aroma that will fill your home with this wonderful recipe from Love With Recipes. 🌟👩🍳✨
