Side dishes

Potato patties on a base of Montasio cheese fondue

⏱ 30 min👤 2 pp★★☆☆☆

The greatest satisfaction for a real lover of creative cooking is to create a new dish for a special occasion, especially if you can make something really different to spice up a party for your guests, serving a tasty and delicious recipe capable of adding to the character of a joyous event spent in good company. That's why today we suggest something to make as a starter for Easter dinner: it’s not really traditional, but rather creates a meeting point between different regional cuisines and their various flavours: so, how about a lovely potato patty with Montasio cheese fondue? In this combination of taste and attractive colours, just right for Easter, you will find that exotic element to make this entrée quite unique, and perfect for sharing with your honoured guests.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 320 kcal / serving

Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
28g
Fat
18g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
30 minutes Total time
Serves 2 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Cut the potatoes into large cubes and sauté in hot oil with a garlic clove to flavour. Salt almost immediately and cook until they have softened, adding a little water. Cook well, adding the paprika and saffron together with some water. When they are ready, mash with a pestle. Prepare the fondue as follows: grate some Parmesan and montasio cheese and mix with the milk and egg yolk, salting lightly and adding a little pepper and nutmeg. Transfer this mixture to a saucepan over a low heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until it has all melted and combined, making sure the fat doesn’t separate from the liquid and without curdling the egg. When the fondue is ready, heat the potatoes a little and form patties with a suitable mould. Add a bed of fondue to a shallow dish and place the potato patty on the fondue. I decorated the patties by placing them in a basket of parmesan, sprinkled lightly with paprika.

Tips
Should you wish to give a twist to this dish, mix your potato patty with some other vegetables sautéed to your liking.
Trivia
Montasio is a cheese made in the region between Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto: it can be obtained on the market fresh, or at various stages of maturity.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue with Sweet Potatoes

An interesting variant of the classic Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue is the one that uses sweet potatoes. This preparation offers a sweeter flavor and a soft texture, making the dish even more enveloping. To make it, simply replace traditional potatoes with sweet potatoes, which also provide a greater amount of vitamins and antioxidants. The cooking method remains the same: after sautéing them in a pan with oil and garlic, they can be mashed and mixed with the other ingredients for the fondue. This variant is perfect for those looking for a more colorful and nutritious alternative, without giving up the rich and creamy taste of Montasio fondue.

Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue Friulian Style

For those who love regional traditions, the Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue Friulian Style is a must. This preparation respects the traditional recipes of Friuli Venezia Giulia, using fresh and genuine local ingredients. The secret to achieving a perfect cake lies in the choice of potatoes: yellow-fleshed varieties are the most suitable to ensure a creamy texture. Additionally, Montasio fondue, a typical cheese from the region, helps create a dish that tells the culinary history of the area. Served hot, this cake becomes a rich and substantial main course, ideal for a family lunch or a dinner with friends.

Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue Light without Eggs

Those who are mindful of their figure can opt for a light version of the Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue, eliminating the eggs from the recipe. This variant still maintains the rich and enveloping flavor of the original dish, thanks to the use of light and healthy ingredients. By replacing the eggs with a bit more milk or Greek yogurt, a creamy consistency is achieved without adding unnecessary calories. The cheese can also be reduced to make the dish lighter while still keeping the characteristic taste of the fondue. This preparation is ideal for those who wish to enjoy a delicious dish without compromising their diet.

Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue: Benefits and Nutritional Values

The Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue is not only a tasty dish but also presents several nutritional benefits. Potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins C and B6, as well as minerals like potassium. Thanks to their composition, they help provide energy and maintain cardiovascular health. Montasio, a cheese rich in protein and calcium, is essential for bone health. On average, a serving of this cake contains about 350-400 calories, making it a substantial yet balanced dish when consumed in moderation.

Can the Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue be frozen?

The answer is yes, the Potato Cake on Montasio Fondue can be frozen, but with some precautions. It is advisable to freeze it before cooking, in order to preserve the freshness of the ingredients. If already cooked, it is better to consume it within a few days, as the texture may change once thawed. To freeze it, make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors from the freezer. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator and then reheat it in the oven to bring it back to the right temperature and consistency.