This layered potato cake is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect as a main course or a side. Made with layers of golden potato pancakes, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes, this dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. It’s a wonderful way to use basic ingredients in a creative and delicious way. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a layered potato cake that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 3 medium-sized (about 600 g or 1.3 lbs)
- Onions: 2 medium-sized (about 200 g or 7 oz)
- Eggs: 3-4 large
- Salt: To taste
- Cornstarch: 3-4 tablespoons (about 30-40 g)
- Spring Onions: A handful, chopped
- Cheese (for batter): 150 g (5.29 oz), grated (cheddar, mozzarella, or your preferred cheese)
- Mayonnaise or Yogurt: 2 tablespoons
- Dried Garlic: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Tomatoes: 3 small, sliced
- Cheese Slices: 4
- Vegetable Oil: For greasing the skillet
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Batter
- Grate the Vegetables: Peel and grate the potatoes and onions using a coarse grater. This will give the batter a nice texture and help the layers bind together.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the grated potatoes and onions in a large mixing bowl. Add the eggs, salt, cornstarch, chopped spring onions, grated cheese, mayonnaise or yogurt, dried garlic, and black pepper.
- Mix Well: Stir the mixture thoroughly until all the ingredients are fully combined. The mixture should be cohesive and slightly sticky, which helps the potato layers hold their shape when cooked.
2. Cook the Potato Layers
- Heat the Skillet: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with a small amount of vegetable oil.
- Cook the Layers: Pour a portion of the potato mixture into the skillet, spreading it evenly with a spatula to form a thin layer. Cook each layer for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Repeat the Process: Remove the cooked layer from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Repeat the process to make multiple layers, using up all the batter. Aim to make at least 4-5 layers for a nicely stacked cake.
3. Layer the Potato Cake
- Start Layering: On a serving plate, place one cooked potato layer as the base.
- Add Cheese and Tomatoes: Place a slice of cheese on top of the potato layer, followed by a few tomato slices.
- Continue Layering: Repeat the layering process, alternating between potato layers, cheese slices, and tomatoes. Continue until all the potato layers are used up, finishing with a potato layer on top.
4. Top and Serve
- Final Cheese Sprinkle: On the top layer, sprinkle some additional grated cheese for extra flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F). Place the assembled potato cake in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the potato cake from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice.
- Serve: Slice the layered potato cake into wedges and serve warm. It’s perfect as a main dish or paired with a fresh salad or light soup.
Serving Suggestions
- Main Dish: Serve as a filling main course alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats, fish, or a hearty soup for a complete meal.
- Appetizer: Cut into smaller pieces and serve as an appetizer or party snack.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (based on 6 slices)
- Calories: 210 kcal per serving
- Total Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
This layered potato cake is a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into a delicious, satisfying dish. Its layers of tender potatoes, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes make it both visually appealing and mouthwateringly good.
Pro Tips:
- Cheese Variety: Use different cheeses for added flavor complexity. A mix of mozzarella and cheddar works well.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor in the potato batter.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach between the layers for more variety.
Enjoy making and sharing this versatile and comforting layered potato cake! It’s sure to become a family favorite, offering the warmth of home-cooked comfort food with a fun and elegant presentation.
