Potato pie with rustic ham

Potato and Ham Pie: A Dedicated Indulgence

Introduction

I present to you a recipe that brings together culinary tradition with an authentic and comforting taste, perfect for pampering your loved one. This potato and ham pie is a combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients that will delight your taste buds. The crispy dough and creamy filling of potatoes, bacon, and cheeses blend harmoniously, creating a dish that can be enjoyed both warm and cold.

Preparation Time

- Preparation time: 45 minutes
- Baking time: 35-40 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 25 minutes
- Servings: 8

Recipe History

This recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition, being a modern variant of rustic pies that have been made for generations. Inspired by Italian recipes, the potato and ham pie pays homage to simple yet quality ingredients that have always been at the heart of family meals. It is an excellent choice for a family dinner or a lunch with friends, bringing a touch of joy in every slice.

Ingredients

For the dough (for 2 pies):

- 500g flour
- 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 270ml warm water

For the filling:

- Approximately 1kg white potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 250g country ham (or bacon)
- 150g mozzarella
- 150g sheep cheese
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 egg + 1 yolk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream

Preparation Technique

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

1. Mixing Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and olive oil. Mix well with a wooden spoon.
2. Adding Water: Gradually add the warm water, stirring continuously until the dough starts to form.
3. Kneading: If you have a food processor, you can use it to knead the dough. Place all the ingredients in the processor and mix until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. If you prefer to knead by hand, ensure the dough becomes elastic and smooth, then knead for 5 minutes.
4. Dividing the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal parts, form balls, and cover them with a damp cloth, letting them rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling

1. Boiling the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and boil them in salted water until soft (about 20 minutes).
2. Mashing the Potatoes: Once boiled, drain and mash them with a potato masher, achieving a not-too-fine puree.
3. Preparing the Ham: In a pan, add the olive oil and butter, then the diced ham. Fry until browned and crispy.
4. Mixing Ingredients: Add the fried ham to the potato puree, along with the beaten eggs, grated cheeses, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 3: Assembling the Pie

1. Rolling Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out a piece of dough into a thin sheet, similar to pasta but slightly thicker. Place the sheet in a greased tart pan, letting the edges hang over.
2. Adding the Filling: Pour the potato and ham filling into the pan, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon.
3. Forming the Edges: Fold the edges of the dough inward, creating pleats. This will help keep the filling inside.
4. Glazing: Brush the pie with a beaten egg and add a few pieces of mozzarella on top. You can also sprinkle fresh parsley, then drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil.

Step 4: Baking

1. Baking the Pie: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the pan in the oven and bake the pie for 35-40 minutes or until golden and crispy on top.
2. Cooling: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing. If you prefer a softer top, cover the pie with aluminum foil after taking it out of the oven.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve warm, alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables. This pie is just as delicious cold, making it ideal for a picnic or a lunch meal.

Nutritional Benefits

This potato and ham pie provides a good source of carbohydrates from the potatoes, which will give you energy, and protein from the ham and cheeses. It also uses extra virgin olive oil, which is rich in heart-healthy fats.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace the ham with chicken or turkey meat, or even a vegetarian option using mushrooms or vegetables.

2. How can I store the pie?
The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in airtight containers. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

3. What other recipes can I try?
You can explore recipes for vegetable tarts, fruit pies, or even homemade pizza, all based on a similar dough.

Personal Note

For an even more intense flavor, I recommend adding some spices like basil or oregano to the filling. You can also experiment with different types of cheeses to find the perfect combination for you.

This potato and ham pie is more than just a recipe; it is an invitation to enjoy cooking and spending time with loved ones. So, put on your comfiest kitchen clothes and get ready to spread joy in every crispy slice.