Simple and Delicious Potato Dish: Better Than Pizza!
Ingredients:
- 3 potatoes, peeled and diced: Potatoes form the hearty base of this dish, providing a satisfying texture and flavor.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: The onion adds a sweet, savory flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly.
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated: Carrots bring a hint of sweetness and a splash of color to the dish.
- 1 pepper, diced: Bell peppers add a touch of sweetness and a bit of crunch, enhancing the overall texture.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Parsley provides a fresh, herby flavor that brightens up the dish.
- 1 egg: The egg helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the dish.
- 100 ml milk (3.4 oz): Milk adds creaminess, making the dish moist and delicious.
- 120 grams flour (4.2 oz): Flour helps thicken the mixture, giving the dish structure and a slightly crispy exterior.
- 150 grams cheddar cheese, shredded (5.3 oz): Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a rich, gooey layer of flavor.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and for greasing the baking dish, ensuring everything cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Salt, to taste: Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper, to taste: Black pepper adds a bit of heat and depth to the flavor profile.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and Dice the Potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into small, even-sized cubes. This will ensure they cook evenly.
- Chop and Grate the Vegetables: Finely chop the onion and dice the pepper. Peel and grate the carrot. Chop the fresh parsley as well.
- Shred the Cheese: If not already shredded, grate the cheddar cheese and set it aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Sauté the Onions and Peppers: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced pepper. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the pepper softens, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Carrot: Stir in the grated carrot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it softens slightly. Remove the pan from heat and set the vegetable mixture aside.
3. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
- Combine the Potatoes and Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced potatoes with the sautéed vegetables. Add the chopped parsley and mix well.
- Mix in the Egg and Milk: Beat the egg in a separate bowl, then stir it into the potato and vegetable mixture. Add the milk and stir until everything is well combined.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the flour to the mixture, stirring until the flour is fully incorporated. The flour will help bind the ingredients together and create a slightly thick batter.
- Season the Mixture: Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
4. Assemble and Bake the Dish:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Grease a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking. A medium-sized dish (about 9×9 inches) should work well.
- Layer the Potato Mixture: Pour the potato and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the potato mixture. The cheese will melt during baking, creating a delicious, golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This will make it easier to slice and serve.
- Slice and Serve: Cut the dish into slices or squares and serve hot. It’s perfect on its own or paired with a fresh salad or some steamed vegetables.
Tips for Success:
- Uniformly Dice the Potatoes: Make sure the potato pieces are similar in size so they cook evenly.
- Add Extra Toppings: For a more pizza-like experience, consider adding extra toppings like sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or even some pepperoni slices before baking.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply assemble the dish and bake it when ready to serve.