Description
This Crispy Balsamic Potato Torte is a layered potato side dish featuring golden, crunchy edges and a tender, flavorful interior. Infused with rosemary, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and Parmesan cheese, it blends rustic comfort with elegant taste. Perfect for both holiday dinners and simple weeknight meals, this vegetarian torte combines savory richness with a crispy texture for a delightful accompaniment to any main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Potato Torte
- 2.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes and Herbs: Wash and peel the Yukon Gold potatoes. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, thinly slice the potatoes for even cooking. Mince the garlic cloves and chop the fresh rosemary finely to distribute flavor evenly throughout the dish.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a springform pan or an oven-safe skillet with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking and to add richness.
- Layer Potatoes: Arrange the potato slices in the pan, slightly overlapping each slice to form compact layers. After placing each layer, brush it evenly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Then sprinkle chopped rosemary, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue layering until all potatoes are used.
- Compress and Bake Covered: Gently press down the layered potatoes with a spatula or a cup to ensure compactness and help the slices stick together during cooking. Cover the pan with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to soften the potatoes and start meld the flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully. Dot the top with butter if desired to add extra richness and flavor. Bake uncovered for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges have a pleasing crispiness.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the torte to cool for 10 minutes after baking to let it set for clean slicing. Serve warm as a savory and elegant side dish.
Notes
- Use a mandoline slicer for evenly thin slices, which ensures even cooking and a consistent crispy texture.
- Pressing down the layers firmly before baking helps the torte hold its shape and improves the overall texture.
- For extra crispy edges, use a cast iron skillet or preheat your pan before layering the potatoes to jumpstart browning.