Torta di Patate e Spinaci: Potato and Spinach Pie

Potatoes – yum. Potatoes and spinach – yuum. Potatoes, spinach and cheese – yuuuuuuum! I served this dish for the Festa last week and it was a huge hit. The recipe is straight from Ciao Italia, Mary Ann Esposito. I normally try to post my own recipes but this one just must be shared! Easy to make, great as a do-ahead dish (I made mine very early the morning of the party), and simply delicious!  Mary Ann also recommends mixing all the ingredients together and making little balls for frying – a modification I will definately try….so if mashed potatoes are on the menu, give this yuuuumy dish a try! Enjoy….

Torta di Patate e Spinaci (Potato and Spinach Pie)

(From Ciao, Italia! Mary Ann Esposito)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pounds (4 to 5) medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
4 tablespoons Colavita™ Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
6 ounces mozzarella, Asiago, or other cheese, cubed (1 1/2 cups)
1 10-ounce bag fresh spinach, stemmed, washed, and drained
1 large clove garlic, peeled and cut in half
2 tablespoons pine nuts
1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter, diced

Directions:

2. Place the potatoes in a bowl. Add the cooking water, 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and egg. With a potato masher or an electric mixer, beat the potatoes until smooth. If they seem too dry, add a little more water. Fold in the cheese and set the mixture aside.

3. Place the spinach in a dry skillet, cover with a lid, and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the spinach in a colander.

4. In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil, add the garlic, and press on the garlic with a wooden spoon to release its juice. When the garlic begins to turn color, remove and discard it.

5. Return the spinach to the skillet, add the pine nuts, and sauté the mixture for about 2 minutes. Turn off the heat, add the nutmeg, and blend. Set the mixture aside.

6. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. With the remaining tablespoon of oil, brush the bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan.

7. Place half the potato mixture in the pan, smoothing the top. Add the spinach mixture, spreading it evenly on top of the potatoes. Place the remaining potato mixture on top of the spinach, spreading to cover the spinach. Dot with the diced butter and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top begins to crust over.

8. Place the pan under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes to brown the crust. Let cool for about 3 minutes, then cut the pie into wedges and serve immediately.

Variation: Instead of making a pie, form balls from the spinach and potato mixture. Roll the balls in flour, beaten egg, and bread crumbs and fry in vegetable oil. Serve as an accompaniment to roasted meats.