PATATE VASTASE: SICILIAN BAKED MOZZARELLA & POTATOES
Patate Vastase, also known as “Trapanese potatoes” or “alla vastasa,” are an appetizing and mouth-watering side dish, typical of Western Sicily and in particular of the province of Trapani.
The name comes from the local dialect and can be translated, literally, to “little elegant”: it refers, in fact, to the way this dish is prepared and presented, simple and without too many frills.
This is a quick and easy recipe, suitable even for those who are not too familiar with cooking: just peel the potatoes and cut them into slices that are not too thin, then gather them in a bowl with a sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes divided in half, a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper and dried oregano.
Everything is distributed in an oven dish and baked for half an hour, then the surface is enriched with mozzarella cheese, well drained and cut into pieces, and left to bake for another ten minutes or so, just long enough for the cheese to melt to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple: Requires minimal preparation and common pantry ingredients.
- Flavorful: Combines the earthy taste of roasted potatoes with the freshness of tomatoes, onions, and oregano.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite spices or cheeses.
Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow potatoes (ideal for their low starch content)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ¼ cups mozzarella cheese, well-drained and diced
- ½ medium onion, sliced (preferably red onion)
- Extra virgin olive oil, to taste
- Dried oregano, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
- Slice them into rounds approximately 1 cm thick (~⅜ inch).
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with the sliced onion.
- Drizzle with 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix to coat evenly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and stir to combine.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
- Spread the mixture into a 24-cm (9.5-inch) round baking dish.
- Season with dried oregano, additional salt, pepper, and a final drizzle of olive oil (1–2 tablespoons).
- Bake in a preheated static oven at 200°C (390°F) for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella
- While the potatoes bake, dice the mozzarella and let it drain to remove excess moisture.
- After 25 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and distribute the mozzarella evenly over the potatoes.
Step 6: Final Bake
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and forms a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with more oregano or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips for Success
- Potatoes: Yellow-fleshed potatoes hold their shape well during baking. Alternatively, use red potatoes and keep the skin on for added nutrients and texture.
- Spices: For a creative twist, experiment with paprika, turmeric, or curry powder.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispness.
Buon Appetito!
Patate Vastase is a quintessential Sicilian comfort food that highlights the beauty of simplicity. With its hearty flavors and rustic appeal, this dish is sure to bring the warmth of Sicily to your table.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 18 mg |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Calcium | 150 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
Key Notes
- Calories and Fat: Mostly from the olive oil and mozzarella cheese.
- Carbohydrates: Primarily from the potatoes and tomatoes.
- Protein: Comes mainly from the mozzarella.
Feel free to adjust the recipe (e.g., reduce olive oil or use low-fat mozzarella) to meet specific dietary needs.
Patate Vastase Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow potatoes ideal for their low starch content
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 ¼ cups mozzarella cheese well-drained and diced
- ½ medium onion sliced (preferably red onion)
- Extra virgin olive oil to taste
- Dried oregano to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
- Peel the potatoes and rinse them thoroughly under running water.
- Slice them into rounds approximately 1 cm thick (~⅜ inch).
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with the sliced onion.
- Drizzle with 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil and mix to coat evenly.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. Sprinkle with salt and stir to combine.
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
- Spread the mixture into a 24-cm (9.5-inch) round baking dish.
- Season with dried oregano, additional salt, pepper, and a final drizzle of olive oil (1–2 tablespoons).
- Bake in a preheated static oven at 200°C (390°F) for 25 minutes.
Step 5: Add Mozzarella
- While the potatoes bake, dice the mozzarella and let it drain to remove excess moisture.
- After 25 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and distribute the mozzarella evenly over the potatoes.
Step 6: Final Bake
- Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and forms a golden, bubbly crust.
Step 7: Serve
- Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with more oregano or fresh herbs if desired.
