Potato and Meat Tortino

Ingredients

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 500g (1.1 lbs) lean ground beef or turkey 500g (1.1 lbs) lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated 200g (7 oz) mozzarella cheese, grated
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. 4.
   Grease a round baking dish with olive oil. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them.
5. 5.
   Spread half of the cooked meat mixture over the potatoes, followed by a layer of grated mozzarella cheese.
6. 6.
   Repeat the layers with the remaining potatoes, meat mixture, and cheese.
7. 7.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper.
8. 8.
   Pour the egg mixture over the layered potatoes and meat, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
9. 9.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
10. 10.
    Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. 12.
    Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Lean ground meat — Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to reduce the fat content without compromising on flavor.
• Mozzarella cheese — Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a twist, add a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers between the potato and meat layers.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.
• Serve the tortino with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner option.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the tortino for a few minutes at the end of the baking time.

Serving advice

Serve the Potato and Meat Tortino warm as a main course. Cut it into wedges and garnish with fresh parsley for an appealing presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the tortino before baking. This will create a golden crust and add an extra layer of flavor.