Frico is a traditional Italian dish originating from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. This savory combination of potatoes and cheese creates a mouth-watering treat that is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to preparing Frico, along with tips and variations to make it your own.
Ingredients
For this Frico recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 800 g yellow potatoes (about 1.75 lbs)
- 350 g aged Montasio cheese (or a mix of fresh and aged Montasio) (about 12.5 oz)
- 1 medium onion (about 120 g or 4.2 oz)
- 30 g butter (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
Directions
Prepare the Potatoes: Start by washing the yellow potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until the potatoes are tender, which should take about 30-35 minutes. Once cooked, drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly before peeling.
Slice the Onion: While the potatoes are boiling, peel and thinly slice the onion into rings or half-moons.
Sauté the Onion: In a large frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil along with half of the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, approximately 10 minutes.
Grate the Potatoes and Cheese: Once the potatoes have cooled, use a grater to finely grate them. Also, grate the Montasio cheese.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grated potatoes, grated cheese, sautéed onion, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Cook the Mixture: In the same frying pan used for the onions, melt the remaining butter over medium-low heat. Pour the potato and cheese mixture into the pan, spreading it out evenly. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.
Flip the Frico: Using a large plate, carefully flip the Frico over to cook the other side. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Once both sides are nicely browned, remove the Frico from the pan and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the flavors meld together.
Nutritional Information
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4-6- Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 10 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Selecting the Potatoes: Use starchy yellow potatoes for the best texture in your Frico. They help achieve the perfect crispiness when cooked.
Choose the Right Cheese: Montasio cheese is ideal for this recipe, but feel free to mix it with other cheeses like aged Gouda or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Control the Heat: Cooking over medium-low heat prevents burning while ensuring that the inside gets cooked through. Patience is key to creating a perfectly golden Frico.
Possible Variations
Vegetable Frico: Add finely chopped vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the potato mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
Herbed Frico: Enhance the flavor by incorporating fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or rosemary into the potato and cheese mixture. This adds an aromatic twist to your Frico.
Now that you have everything you need to create your own delicious Frico, enjoy this traditional Italian dish that is sure to impress family and friends alike!