Kartupelu Pica Recipe

Kartupelu Pica is a delightful twist on traditional pizza, offering a unique potato-based crust topped with an array of flavors. This dish combines grated potatoes, smoked sausage, ham, cheese, and onions to create a mouth-watering meal that's crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The combination of melted cheese, savory meats, and the subtle crunch of the potato crust makes it an irresistible treat. Ideal for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit various tastes. While it offers a familiar comfort of pizza, its base made from potatoes gives it a distinctive texture and taste. Whether you’re a pizza lover or looking for a new culinary adventure, kartupelu pica is bound to impress. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream for an added creamy touch or a fresh salad for contrast. Enjoy this delicious fusion of flavors that brings a taste of innovation to your table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

700 g potatoes
200 g smoked sausage and ham
200 g cheese
100 g onion
2 eggs
50 g sour cream
20 g flour
50 g oil

Sauces and Spices:

Ketchup
Salt
Pepper

Preparation Time

Total Time: 60 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Peel and Grate the Potatoes: Start by peeling 700 g of potatoes and grating them into a large bowl.
Prepare the Potato Mixture: Add 2 beaten eggs, 50 g of sour cream, and 20 g of flour to the grated potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix everything until well combined.
Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and spread the potato mixture evenly, pressing it down to form an even layer as it will become the crust.
Add the Meat Toppings: Slice 200 g of smoked sausage and ham into thin strips and distribute evenly over the potato crust.
Apply Sauce and Onions: Drizzle ketchup over the surface, then sprinkle 100 g of finely chopped onions.
Add the Cheese: Grate 200 g of cheese and spread it generously over the top, covering the sausage and onion layers.
Transfer to Oven: Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
Bake the Pica: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the potato crust turn golden brown.
Check Doneness: After baking, check the bottom of the crust to ensure it's firm and slightly crispy.
Let it Cool: Allow the kartupelu pica to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into portions.
Serve and Enjoy: It can be served with sour cream or a fresh side salad for added flavor.

Tips

For Extra Crunch: You can pre-cook the grated potatoes lightly in a pan before mixing with other ingredients to remove excess moisture.
Cheese Choices: Use a combination of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella for a varied texture and flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with mushrooms or bell peppers for a veggie version.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 22 g
Fats: 30 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g

Variations

Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free option such as almond flour.
Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Side Dish: Serve with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw on the side.

Best Places

Pizzeria da Baffetto - Known for its traditional Italian pizzas. Location: Via del Governo Vecchio 114, Rome, Italy
Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana - Pioneer of New Haven-style pizza. Location: 157 Wooster St, New Haven, USA
Pizza Pilgrims - Offers authentic Neapolitan pizza. Location: 11 Dean St, Soho, London, UK
Roberta's Pizza - Renowned for innovative gourmet pizzas. Location: 261 Moore St, Brooklyn, USA
Pizzarium - Gourmet pizza by the slice. Location: Via della Meloria 43, Rome, Italy
L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele - One of the oldest pizzerias, famous for its margherita. Location: Via Cesare Sersale 1, Naples, Italy
Gusta Pizza - Popular for its wood-fired pizzas. Location: Via Maggio 46R, Florence, Italy
Grimaldi's Pizzeria - Known for its coal-fired brick-oven pizzas. Location: 1 Front St, Brooklyn, USA
Di Fara Pizza - Family-owned, offering artisanal pizzas. Location: 1424 Avenue J, Brooklyn, USA
Pizzeria Bianco - Acclaimed for its exceptional crust and toppings. Location: 623 E Adams St, Phoenix, USA