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Italian: Potato Gatto

Source of Recipe


Adapted from the "Italian Country Table"






List of Ingredients



• 3 lbs. Yellow Finn, Yukon Gold or red potatoes
  
• Extra-virgin olive oil
  
• 1 medium onion, diced
  
• Salt & pepper to taste
  
• 1-1/2 cups coarse homemade breadcrumbs
  
• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  
• 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  
• 1/3 cup milk
  
• 1/4 lb. soppressata (or any other spicy salami), sliced 1/8-inch thick and diced
  
• 1-1/3 cups frozen peas, defrosted; divided
  
• 1/2 lb. fresh mozzarella, drained and sliced 1-inch thick
  






Instructions



1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). Place potatoes in a large pot; cover with water and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer 25 minutes or until a fork goes easily into the largest potato.
   
   
2. Meanwhile, brown the onion in a scant tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove the onions to a bowl. Add a bit more oil to the skillet and saute the breadcrumbs, seasoning with salt and pepper, until lightly browned (5 to 10 minutes). Remove the breadcrumbs to a bowl.
   
   
3. Drain the potatoes and let cool for 10 minutes.
   
   
4. Slice the butter into a large bowl. Using a paring knife or your fingers, peel the potatoes, then put them into the bowl with the butter, Parmigiano, milk and salt and pepper to taste. Lightly mash the potatoes; they should be fairly lumpy. Stir in the soppressata and half of the peas.
   
   
5. Oil an 8-inch square baking dish (Pyrex works well) and press half the potato mixture into the bottom. Top with the onions and remaining peas, then the Mozzarella slices in a single layer.
   
   
6. Spread the rest of the potatoes on top and smooth with a spatula or the back of a large metal spoon. Bake 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with the breadcrumbs. Bake 10 minutes longer.
   
   Serve hot with a simple steamed vegetable, or serve the gatto in smaller portions as a side dish to chicken or fish. Of course, the gatto also makes a complete meal by itself with nothing more than a glass of wine.
   
   Serves 4