Potato Pie - A Recipe For Busy People

My Mom’s Sicilian Potato Pie for Busy People

When I was a kid growing up in the late 50s and early 60s, my mom held down a full time job. This was a little unusual at the time as working mothers was sort of a new breed. In addition to her 40 hours a week job and tending to a family, she also cared for an aging mother who lived downstairs from us.

Mom had a full plate, yet never complained and believe it or not never failed to have a quality dinner on our table. She always planned ahead and prepared many dishes, sauces and cooking stocks on the weekend to use during the week.

The Supporting Cast in Gracie’s Sicilian Potato Pie

I know I spend a lot of time here talking about the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and how my mom’s cooking reflected that style many years ago. This recipe is a bit of a diversion, as its loaded down with eggs, cheese, and ham. Consider making this on your cheat night!

Below is a recipe we enjoyed weekly and can come in handy when you are in a pinch for a quick meal. From “7 Days of Italian Cooking – Gracie’s Guide to Everyday Meals”

Potato Pie

I had almost totally forgotten about this dish till I went looking through my mom’s old recipes book. This was one meal I think she took real enjoyment in making. Not a lot of prep time needed and everyone, even my picky sister enjoyed Mom’s Potato Pie.

2 lbs. Potatoes
4 tbs. grated Romano or Parmesan
½ lb. shredded or cubed mozzarella
2 tsp. chopped Italian parsley
2 thick slices of ham
½ cup bread crumbs, chopped
1 thick slice pancetta, chopped
salt and pepper to taste (I love Sea Salt)
6 large eggs

Clean potatoes and boil in salted water until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Let the potatoes cool, peel and mash until smooth. In a large bowl add the potatoes, the mozzarella, ham, pancetta, eggs, cheese, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix well.

Ready for the Oven

Butter an 8×8 baking dish and sprinkle bread crumbs to cover lightly the bottom of the dish. Save some bread crumbs for the top. Place potato mixture in the dish and now sprinkle the remaining bread crumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven until golden brown, about 40 minutes.

Finished Product

I have a real picky eater at home and both my wife and I are busy with work. This dish has bailed us out on all fronts many times. I always think back to my mom and marvel had she managed to pull everything together. I guess life was simpler back then.

Enjoy!