In many Italian kitchens, pasta isn’t the only carb that matters. Potatoes are an integral part of a nonna’s kitchen arsenal. In fact, we might say it’s the unsung hero of the Italian cuisine. Where would gnocchi be without potatoes? Well, not here (or else a stodgy disgusting flour ball).
For the grannies we meet, potatoes are treated with the same respect as any kind of pasta dough. And, although it isn’t always kneaded, they’re still given full granny attention: peeled, chopped, boiled, riced, and tended to until they are the perfect consistency.
Potatoes are sometimes grown by our grandmothers in their gardens; cheap, delicious, and nutritious. The humble potato is a reminder that cooking is as much about what is available and locally grown as well as upholding tradition.
So, in the spirit of that we’ve rounded up a couple of dishes and moments when potatoes don’t play second fiddle to the pasta dough, or in some cases, might come together. Tell us: how are you cooking your spuds?
Laura’s Pitta di Patate Salentina
In Grecia Salentina’s small town of Zollino, we met Laura who prepared a traditional pitta di patate salentina, a sort of rustic potato pie, similar to the Neapolitan gâteau di patate. It is often eaten cold as well as warm; and can be sliced and served as an appetiser at family gatherings. You can watch the video here.
And if you’ve had a couple of extra slices and are looking for a way to burn it off, then there’s always a spot of Taranta. While there, we met her son Alessandro and daughter-in-law of Cristina, who are both part of La Notte della Taranta, the foundation created to protect and promote the tradition of Salentina pizzica dance. You can watch it here.
Eleanora’s Saffron and Potato Ravioli
What’s better: potato or ravioli? Not having to choose either. 90-year-old Eleanora makes a saffron-flavoured herb which pops up in several different pasta dishes in Sardinia.
Sardinian Sister’s Culurgiones
Dina, Delia and Emma share their grandmother’s recipe for culurgiones. Of course there’s plenty of similar recipes for this in Sardinia, but this one is one of our favourite since it’s a little different to the others we’ve filmed. This pasta is one which definitely benefits from being a team production. Would you be able to make this one with your siblings without bickering? Maybe you have a similar family production line for another dish?
And, Linda’s Tortino di Patate
And it’s not just our grandmothers who are inventive with potatoes; Linda our social media manager has a great recipe for a cheesy Tortino di Patate. This one definitely gives the Spanish tortilla or the British bubble and squeak, a good run for its money! It’s a perfect winter dish for a cold night; or you can make it in advance for your lunch box for the next day. Try it for yourself by following the recipe here.
