Potato pie

Delicious potato pie with mushrooms and cheese

If you are looking for a savory recipe that is easy to prepare and perfect for a family meal or a gathering with friends, the potato pie with mushrooms and cheese is the ideal choice. This recipe not only combines delicious textures and flavors but also represents an excellent way to make the most of simple ingredients, transforming them into a sophisticated and filling dish.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Ingredients

- 1 kg potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion
- 500 g fresh mushrooms (or canned if you prefer)
- 5-6 crushed garlic cloves
- 100 ml red wine
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 600 g grated cheese
- 500 ml Milli cooking cream (15% fat)
- 1 egg
- 1 round removable-bottom baking pan (23 cm)

Preparing the ingredients

The first step in making this delicious pie is to prepare the ingredients. The potatoes should be peeled and sliced into rounds. Choosing the right potatoes is essential; look for potatoes that are firm and medium-starch to achieve the perfect texture after baking.

Boiling the potatoes

Place the peeled potatoes in salted water and let them boil for 15-20 minutes until they are almost soft but not fully cooked, as we will bake them further in the oven. This step is crucial to prevent a pie that is too soft. Once boiled, drain them and let them cool slightly before slicing them into rounds.

Preparing the mushroom filling

While the potatoes are cooling, we can prepare the filling. In a pan, add 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion and crushed garlic. Let them soften slightly for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Then, add the sliced mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. The mushrooms bring a pleasant umami flavor to the pie, and the olive oil will help enhance the aromas. After the mushrooms start to brown, add the red wine and let it simmer until the sauce reduces and the mushrooms become tender, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!

Assembling the pie

Now that the filling is ready, it’s time to assemble the pie. Take the round baking pan and place parchment paper on the bottom to prevent sticking. Start by laying a layer of potato rounds, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a layer of cream (about 150 g), followed by half of the mushroom mixture, and sprinkle 200 g of grated cheese.

Continue with another layer of potatoes, cream, the remaining mushrooms, and again the grated cheese. Finally, place a last layer of potato rounds, on which you add cream and the remaining cheese. This layering will give the pie a delicious texture and a golden crust.

Baking

Preheat the oven to 180 °C and place the pie in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes until it is nicely browned on top. After this time, beat an egg and pour it evenly over the surface of the pie, then leave it in the oven for another 10 minutes until the egg becomes golden and delicious.

Serving and suggestions

The potato pie with mushrooms and cheese is served warm but can also be enjoyed at room temperature, making it perfect for a picnic or a summer meal. You can accompany it with a fresh vegetable salad, which will add a touch of freshness and color to the dish.

Nutritional information

This pie is not only tasty but also nutritious. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, while mushrooms contain fiber and protein. The cheese adds a note of calcium and healthy fats. One serving contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the portions of cream and cheese used.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use frozen mushrooms?
Yes, frozen mushrooms are a good alternative, but make sure to let them thaw and drain well before use.

2. How can I vary the recipe?
You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini to diversify the pie. You can also experiment with different cheeses to achieve new flavors.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This pie is completely vegetarian and can be easily adapted for vegans by replacing the cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives.

4. What drinks pair well with it?
This pie pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine or a fresh lemonade, which will complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Personal notes and tips

This potato pie recipe can always bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. It is a versatile dish that can be seasonally adapted by using vegetables available at that time. Personally, I love to add some herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh and invigorating taste. Experiment and find the combination that suits you best!

Remember: cooking is an art, so enjoy every step of the process and don’t hesitate to use your creativity in the kitchen!