This Potato Tortilla with Mortadella and Cheese is a delicious, hearty meal perfect for any time of the day. With a crispy exterior and a soft, cheesy center, it’s bound to be a family favorite. The combination of mashed potatoes, mortadella (or ham), and cheese wrapped in golden tortillas makes this dish both filling and flavorful. Accompanied by a fresh side salad, this recipe is a complete and satisfying meal that is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized potatoes, boiled (about 450 g)
- 100-150 g mortadella or ham, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
- 1 egg
- 150 g flour (approx. 1 cup)
- Pinch of pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cheese slices, to taste (about 100 g)
- 1/2 paprika, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tomato, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 cucumber, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 onion, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Fresh greens, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- Olive oil, vinegar, salt, and spices for salad dressing
Directions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil 3 medium-sized potatoes in salted water until tender.
- Chop Mortadella: Cut 100-150 g of mortadella (or ham) into small pieces.
- Mash Potatoes: Once boiled, drain the water and mash the potatoes in a large bowl.
- Add Ingredients: Add 1 egg, 150 g of flour, and a pinch of pepper to the mashed potatoes, then mix to form a dough.
- Knead Dough: Knead the potato dough until smooth and divide it into 2 equal portions.
- Prepare Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Shape Tortillas: Using oiled hands, shape the potato dough into tortillas.
- Add Cheese and Mortadella: Place one tortilla in the pan, top with cheese slices and chopped mortadella, and cover with the second tortilla.
- Cook the Tortilla: Cook on low heat for 7-8 minutes until golden brown on one side.
- Flip the Tortilla: Carefully flip the tortilla using a wet plate and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Prepare Salad: Chop 1/2 paprika, 1 tomato, 1 cucumber, 1/2 onion, and fresh greens. Toss with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and spices for a fresh side salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a side of the fresh vegetable salad.
- Pair with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for added creaminess.
- Enjoy with a tangy dipping sauce or salsa for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Make sure the tortilla is cooked on low heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Use a wet plate to flip the tortilla easily and avoid sticking.
- You can replace mortadella with any cooked meat or make a vegetarian version by using only cheese and vegetables.
Nutritional Benefits
- Potatoes: Rich in potassium and a good source of vitamins B6 and C.
- Mortadella: Provides protein and fat for energy.
- Cheese: Offers calcium and additional protein.
- Vegetables in Salad: Full of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian Option: Replace mortadella with more cheese or sautéed vegetables.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour to make the dough.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, assuming 4 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: You can freeze the uncooked potato tortillas. Thaw and cook as per the recipe when needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and simple preparation.
- Comforting: Combines the comforting flavors of potatoes and cheese.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with different fillings or toppings.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses basic ingredients, making it an affordable meal option.
Conclusion
This Potato Tortilla with Mortadella and Cheese is a delightful meal that will impress your family and friends with its simplicity and flavor. It’s a perfect dish to whip up when you’re short on time but want something satisfying. The combination of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and savory mortadella makes it irresistibly good. Serve it with a fresh, tangy salad for a well-rounded meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of meat instead of mortadella?
Yes, you can substitute mortadella with ham, cooked chicken, or any other deli meat you prefer. - Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the mortadella and use more cheese or vegetables as a filling. - How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour in place of regular flour for a gluten-free version. - What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Any meltable cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or Gouda works well for this recipe. - Can I prepare the potato dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. - How do I flip the tortilla without breaking it?
Use a wet plate to carefully flip the tortilla, ensuring it doesn’t stick or break. - Can I bake this instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the tortilla at 200°C (390°F) for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. - What can I serve alongside this dish?
A fresh salad, sour cream, or a yogurt dip complements the tortilla nicely. - Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute the cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative for a dairy-free version. - How can I prevent the tortilla from sticking to the pan?
Make sure your skillet is well-greased and properly heated before adding the tortilla.