Virov'tički Krumpir Kolač with a Twist

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 2 pounds (900g) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as Gouda or Cheddar) 1 cup (100g) grated cheese (such as Gouda or Cheddar)
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 3g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
3. 3.
   Grease a baking dish with the remaining olive oil. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle a layer of caramelized onions, crumbled bacon, grated cheese, and chopped rosemary over the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
6. 6.
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
7. 7.
   Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy.
8. 8.
   Allow the potato cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Potatoes — Make sure to slice the potatoes thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking throughout the dish.
• Onions — Caramelizing the onions adds a sweet and rich flavor to the potato cake. Cook them slowly over medium heat until they turn golden brown.
• Bacon — Crisp up the bacon before crumbling it over the layers of the potato cake for added texture and smoky flavor.
• Cheese — Choose a cheese that melts well, such as Gouda or Cheddar, to create a creamy and gooey texture in the dish.
• Rosemary — Fresh rosemary adds a fragrant and earthy note to the potato cake. Chop the leaves finely to distribute the flavor evenly.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Serve the potato cake as a main course with a side salad or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavors of the dish.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or enjoyed cold for a delicious lunch the next day.
• Garnish the potato cake with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving advice

Serve the Virov'tički krumpir kolač warm, straight from the oven, for the best texture and flavors. Cut it into generous slices and serve as a main course or a side dish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some additional chopped rosemary leaves on top of the potato cake before serving. Serve it on a platter or individual plates, allowing the layers to be visible.