The potato roll is a rustic and versatile dish perfect for a family lunch, a dinner with friends, or a buffet. This simple yet impressive dish consists of potato dough filled with various ingredients such as cold cuts, cheese, vegetables, or minced meat. The result is a tasty and original roll that can be served hot or cold. In this article, we explore the basic potato roll recipe, the most delicious variations, tips for perfect preparation, and ways to best present it.
1. Origins and History of the Potato Roll
1.1. The Potato: A Versatile Ingredient
The potato is a tuber native to the Andes that was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. Due to its versatility and nutritional value, the potato has become an important ingredient in many cuisines around the world.
1.2. The roll: a classic preparation
The roll is a culinary preparation consisting of a dough that is rolled out and filled, rolled over itself, and baked in the oven or in a pan. There are numerous variations of rolls, both sweet and savory, made with different types of dough and fillings.
1.3. The Meeting of Potato and Roll
The idea of combining potatoes and rolls has resulted in a rustic and original dish that combines the simplicity of the potato with the creativity of the filling. The potato roll has become popular in many regions, with local variations reflecting the typical products of the area.
2. Ingredients for the Potato Roll
2.1. Ingredients for the Dough
For the potato roll dough, you will need the following ingredients:
1 kg potatoes: Preferably yellow-fleshed potatoes, suitable for making mashed potatoes.
100 g grated Parmesan cheese: To enrich the flavor and bind the dough.
2 eggs: Bind the dough and soften it.
50g butter: To add flavor and texture.
Salt and pepper: To adjust the flavor.
Nutmeg: Optional, for additional aroma.
2.2. Ingredients for the Filling
The filling for the potato roll can be customized with your favorite ingredients. Here are some ideas:
See next page. 200g cooked ham: Thinly sliced.
200g provola or mozzarella: Sliced or grated.
200g spinach: Cooked and juiced.
100g mushrooms: Sautéed.
200g ground beef: Sautéed with onions and tomatoes.
100g black olives: Pitted and sliced.
2.3. Required Tools
Large Pot
Ladies’ Man
Bowl
Parchment Paper
Baking Sheet
3. Preparing the Potato Roll
3.1. Preparing the Dough
Boil the potatoes: Wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins in plenty of salted water until tender.
Peel the potatoes: Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Peel them and mash them with a potato masher.
Prepare the Dough: In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, melted butter, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Mix well until a smooth dough forms.
3.2. Preparing the Filling
Prepare the ingredients: Prepare the filling ingredients. Slice the cold cuts and cheese, cook and mash the spinach, sauté the mushrooms, and brown the ground beef.
3.3. Assembling the Scroll
Roll out the dough: Unroll a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface. Pour the potato mixture onto the parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin until it forms a rectangle approximately 30×40 cm.
Filling the dough: Spread the filling evenly over the potato dough, leaving a free edge of approximately 2 cm on the sides.
Roll the roll: Using the parchment paper, carefully roll the dough out onto itself, starting at one of the longer sides. Seal the edges well.
3.4. Cook the scroll
Transfer the roll to the baking pan: Carefully slide the potato roll into the baking dish lined with parchment paper.
Oven bake: Bake the roll in a preheated oven at 180°C for approximately 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
Cool: Remove the roll from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
4. Potato Roll Variations
4.1. Potato Roll with Ham and Cheese
Fill the potato dough with cooked ham and sliced provolone or mozzarella.
4.2. Potato Roll with Spinach and Ricotta
Fill the potato mixture with cooked and pressed spinach, ricotta, and grated Parmesan cheese.
4.3. Potato Rolls with Mushrooms and Sausage
Fill the potato dough with sautéed mushrooms and crumbled and browned sausage.
4.4. Potato Rolls with Grilled Vegetables
Fill the potato dough with grilled eggplant, zucchini, and sliced bell peppers.
5. Useful Tips for a Perfect Potato Roll
5.1. Choosing the Right Potatoes
For the perfect mashed potatoes, choose yellow-fleshed potatoes suitable for mashed potatoes.
5.2. Don’t Overwork the Dough
Avoid overworking the potato dough to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
5.3. Roll Out the Dough Evenly
Roll out the potato dough evenly to ensure even cooking.
5.4. Seal the Edges Well
Seal the edges of the roll tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
6. How to Serve the Potato Roll
6.1. Hot or Cold
The potato roll can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference.
6.2. Slicing
Cut the roll into slices approximately 2-3 cm thick.
6.3. Accompaniments
Serve the potato roll with fresh vegetable side dishes, mixed salads, or yogurt- or mayonnaise-based sauces.
7. Conclusion
The potato roll is a rustic, delicious, and original dish, perfect for any occasion. With its simple recipe and versatility, you can create a unique and personalized potato roll that will delight every palate. Experiment with variations and adapt the recipe to your taste, and enjoy the success of this simple and tasty dish. Enjoy!
