This creamy potato casserole features a savory combination of potatoes, garlic, and tomato paste, enhanced with the richness of cream cheese or mascarpone. The addition of fresh parsley, green onions, and a touch of sugar makes this dish both flavorful and comforting. It’s perfect as a side dish or a main course, offering a delicious and hearty meal for the whole family.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
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Cuisine: Comfort Food, Vegetarian
Full List of Ingredients
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4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced
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1 onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup (120 ml) tomato paste
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2 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone
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2 teaspoons sugar
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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4 tablespoons cornstarch
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Peel the 4 potatoes and slice them into thin rounds or half-moons. Set aside in a bowl of water to prevent browning.
2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
Add 1/2 cup tomato paste to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir in 2 teaspoons of sugar and season with salt and pepper. Let the mixture cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to become slightly caramelized and develop deeper flavors.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone with 4 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth. Add a small amount of water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the tomato paste mixture, adding a little more water if needed to make a creamy sauce.
5. Combine the Potatoes and Sauce:
Layer the sliced potatoes into a greased baking dish. Pour the tomato and cream sauce evenly over the potatoes, making sure the potatoes are fully covered. If desired, add a little more water or broth to ensure the potatoes cook evenly.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Add Garnishes:
Once the potatoes are cooked, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the top with fresh parsley and green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve warm!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 250 kcal
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Fat: 15g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Carbohydrates: 30g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 6g
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Protein: 4g
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Sodium: 300mg
Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This creamy potato casserole combines elements of comfort food from both European and American cuisines, where potatoes are a staple. Casseroles are particularly beloved for their simplicity and versatility, making them a perfect family meal. The addition of tomato paste and creamy cheese elevates this classic potato dish, giving it a savory richness that has become a favorite for many.
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
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Creamy and Savory: The richness of the cream cheese or mascarpone combined with tomato paste creates a luscious sauce that coats the potatoes beautifully.
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Simple Ingredients: With common kitchen staples like potatoes, garlic, and onion, this dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t require exotic ingredients.
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Customizable: You can easily tweak the vegetables or add more seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
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Hearty and Filling: The potatoes make this dish filling, while the creamy sauce adds a satisfying texture.
Health Benefits
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Potatoes: A good source of vitamins C and B6, potassium, and fiber, potatoes provide essential nutrients that support digestion, heart health, and immunity.
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Garlic: Known for its antioxidant properties, garlic helps boost the immune system and may promote heart health.
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Tomato Paste: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, tomato paste is beneficial for heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Serving Suggestions
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As a Side Dish: This casserole pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad.
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For a Complete Meal: Add a protein like chicken or fish and a side of steamed vegetables to complete your meal.
Cooking Tips
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Layer the Potatoes Evenly: For an even cook, layer the potatoes in a single layer and make sure they are all covered with the sauce.
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Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the tomato sauce for a little extra heat.
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
Variations to Try
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Add Meat: Ground beef, sausage, or chicken can be added to the filling for a more substantial meal.
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Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based cheese to make this dish vegan-friendly.
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Herb-Infused Potatoes: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the potatoes for an herbal twist.
Conclusion
This creamy potato casserole is a perfect comfort food dish that combines the creamy richness of potatoes and tomato with savory cheese and fresh herbs. It’s simple, customizable, and perfect for a family meal, making it a must-try for any occasion.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it. Just make sure to bake it before serving.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole can be frozen before baking. Make sure to cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Bake directly from frozen, adding a little extra time to the cooking process.
3. Can I substitute the cream cheese with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use mascarpone, ricotta cheese, or even sour cream as a substitute.
4. Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
5. How can I make this casserole spicier?
You can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or fresh chopped chili to the sauce for an extra kick.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it does not contain any gluten-based ingredients.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
8. Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Layer the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the potatoes are tender.
9. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be a delicious alternative, adding a slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
10. How do I make this casserole more cheesy?
Add more cheese to the top of the casserole before baking, or sprinkle some extra grated cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy, golden finish.