Just potatoes, a bit of tomato sauce, and zero desire to cook… and the best dish of the week has come out with only 280 Kcal! If you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that requires minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for you. Combining the simplicity of potatoes, the zing of tomato sauce, and the creaminess of cheese, it’s delicious and light. Let’s dive into how to whip up this satisfying dish!
Ingredients
- 600 grams of potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 300 grams of tomato puree (rustic style is even better)
- 150 grams of mozzarella, cubed (or light galbanino to reduce calories)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove of garlic (finely chopped or crushed)
Directions
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Start with the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the tomato puree, garlic, a sprinkle of oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together. It’s always a good idea to taste it! If the sauce is too acidic, add half a teaspoon of sugar—but only if necessary.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Drizzle a little olive oil at the bottom of your baking dish to prevent the potatoes from sticking. Even if they do stick in some places, it’s actually quite tasty!
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Layer the Ingredients: Begin layering the dish with the sliced potatoes, slightly overlapping them like fish scales. Follow with a layer of tomato sauce and some mozzarella cubes. Sprinkle a ladleful of the sauce, and distribute a few mozzarella cubes over it. Repeat the layering process with more potatoes, sauce, and cheese until you’ve used up all your ingredients or filled the dish. The final layer should have a generous amount of tomato sauce, topped with some mozzarella cubes for that gooey effect while baking.
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Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil—this isn’t always necessary, but it helps the dish cook evenly. Place in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 35 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to get a golden, crispy top. If the bottom still feels raw, keep it in the oven for a little longer. Just keep an eye on it!
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Let it Cool: Remove from the oven; it will be very hot! Give it at least 5 minutes to cool down before serving. If you have fresh basil, sprinkle a few leaves on top for a fragrant touch.
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Extra Tips: If you want to make the dish more nutritious, feel free to add round slices of zucchini or thinly sliced eggplant between the layers—they will become incredibly tender. For those who enjoy a bit of spice, a hint of chili in the sauce adds a nice kick. And if you’re out of mozzarella, try using smoked provola, grated pecorino, or scamorza. Sometimes, it’s great to clean out the fridge!
Prep Time
- 15 minutes
Cook Time
- 45 minutes
Total Time
- 1 hour
Servings
- Serves 4
Nutrition Information
- Approximately 280 Kcal per serving.
How to Serve Just Potatoes, a Bit of Tomato Sauce, and Zero Desire to Cook
Serve this comforting dish hot, garnished with fresh basil for a lovely presentation. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of steamed vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend meal!
Variations
Feel free to experiment! Add layers of sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even cooked lentils for added protein. You can also swap out the cheese varieties to create a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate seasonal vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the dish.
2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free; just ensure that any additional ingredients are verified as gluten-free.
3. Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven or microwave, ensuring it’s heated through before serving.