Best Sicilian Potato Cake Recipes

SICILIAN POTATO CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5. Boil the potatoes whole, in their skins, in gently simmering water until tender - about 30-40 mins depending on size. Meanwhile, fry the pancetta cubes until golden.
• Drain the potatoes and set aside. Put the milk and most of the butter in the potato pan to warm. Peel the potatoes, cut into big chunks, then tip back into the pan with the milk. Mash them (as long as you've used a floury potato you will get a light and fluffy mash by using an electric hand whisk, or a masher). Mix in the pancetta, eggs, garlic and all of the other ingredients except the breadcrumbs and thyme.
• Use the remaining butter to butter the bottom and sides of a 23cm springform tin. Coat the inside of the tin with about ¾ of the breadcrumbs and fill with the potato mixture. Smooth down the surface and sprinkle with the remaining breadcrumbs, pressing them gently into the potato.
• Bake for about 1hr 10 mins until the potato cake is set, with a slight wobble in the middle. Let it rest for 5 mins then loosen from the sides with a knife before releasing the tin. Slide onto a plate and sprinkle with the thyme leaves. Serve hot or warm. Can be prepared up to the end of step 3 the night before and kept covered in the fridge.

SICILIAN POTATO-AND-EGG CAKE

Steps:

• Set a rimmed baking sheet on the top oven rack; preheat to 475 degrees F. Put the potatoes and 1 tablespoon water in a large microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap and pierce a few times with a knife to vent. Microwave until very tender, 10 to 13 minutes. Meanwhile, generously butter an 8-inch-round cake pan; sprinkle in 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs and shake to coat, then tap out the excess.
• Add 4 tablespoons butter and the parmesan to the potatoes; season with salt and pepper and mash. Gradually mash in the beaten eggs. Spread half of the mixture in the prepared pan; top with the provolone, peppers and parsley, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with the remaining potato mixture and smooth evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs. Dot with the remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
• Set the pan on the hot baking sheet and bake until puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to loosen, then unmold. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. Meanwhile, toss the salad greens, olive oil and lemon juice in a bowl; season with salt and pepper. Serve with the potato cake.