Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Trapani-Style Vastase Potatoes: A Rustic Side Dish with a Melty Heart
Learn how to make Trapani-style vastase potatoes, a hearty Sicilian side bursting with potatoes, mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes!
📖 What is it
Learn how to make Trapani-style vastase potatoes, a hearty Sicilian side bursting with potatoes, mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 1 kg potatoes
- ✓ 200 g cherry tomatoes
- ✓ 50 g butter
- ✓ 2 onions
- ✓ 200 g mozzarella
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil, to taste
- ✓ salt, to taste
- ✓ oregano, to taste
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
📊 Nutritional Information
Dive into the authentic aromas of Sicily with these Trapani-style vastase potatoes, a side dish that marries the sweetness of onions, the freshness of tomatoes, and the creamy softness of mozzarella in a warm Mediterranean embrace — a true taste of home cooking from the island.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Peel and chop the potatoes into medium-sized chunks, then thinly slice the onions.
- 2
Place the potatoes and onions in a baking dish, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
- 3
Bake at 200°C for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Dice the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella. After 30 minutes, add them to the dish along with the butter cut into small pieces.
- 5
Cook for another 15 minutes until the mozzarella has melted and the potatoes are golden.
- 6
Serve the Trapani-style vastase potatoes hot, drizzled with a little raw olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh oregano.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For a richer flavour, swap the mozzarella for aged caciocavallo or smoked provola, which add a lovely depth to the dish.
- •
Boost the recipe by adding Sicilian black olives or a few capers for an authentic, punchy twist.
- •
If you prefer a lighter version, leave out the mozzarella and sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs instead.
- •
To enhance the umami, add a pinch of dried oregano or a squeeze of freshly squeezed lemon juice just before serving.
- •
Use a terracotta baking dish for more even cooking and to preserve the traditional flavours.
- •
The secret to this dish lies in simple ingredients and slow cooking, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.
📦 Storage
- • Store the vastase potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep well for up to 48 hours.
- • To enjoy them at their best, reheat in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes to bring back their melty, crispy charm.
- • Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the potatoes and mozzarella may suffer, affecting the flavour.
🍷 Pairing
Pair these Trapani-style vastase potatoes with a Sicilian red wine like Delia Nivolelli Rosso Riserva, which balances the sweetness of the onions and creaminess of the mozzarella beautifully. Alternatively, a young Nero d’Avola or a classic Chianti also make delightful companions.
Making Trapani-style vastase potatoes is like inviting a slice of Sicily to your table — full of honest flavours and family traditions. Give this recipe a go, and don’t forget to share the joy and warmth of this simple yet soulful dish with your loved ones.
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