Patata L-Forn Lombarda (Lombard Baked Potatoes)

Ingredients

In this Lombard adaptation, the original Maltese Patata L-Forn is transformed by incorporating Lombard ingredients and flavors. The addition of pancetta, onions, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese gives the dish a distinct Lombard touch, enhancing its savory profile and adding depth to the overall taste experience. We alse have the original recipe for Patata L-Forn, so you can check it out.

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and sliced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 150 g (5.3 oz) pancetta, diced 150 g (5.3 oz) pancetta, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated 100 g (3.5 oz) Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 2g
• Protein: 16g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   In a greased baking dish, arrange a layer of sliced potatoes.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle half of the cooked pancetta and onion mixture over the potatoes.
6. 6.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes and pancetta-onion mixture.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Sprinkle the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese evenly over the top layer.
9. 9.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
10. 10.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
11. 11.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pancetta — Make sure to dice the pancetta into small pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes crispy.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the pancetta with sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of umami flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Fontina or Gorgonzola, to add a unique twist to the dish.
• Serve the Patata L-Forn Lombarda as a side dish with roasted meats or grilled vegetables for a complete Lombard meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Patata L-Forn Lombarda as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil over the baked potatoes before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.