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BAKED POTATO DISH FLAVORED WITH BACON AND ONIONS; POTATO CAKE, POLAND, Kraków & Nature, Poland

Yukon Gold Potatoes, Yellow Onion

Yukon Gold Potatoes, Yellow Onion

Smoked Bacon

Smoked Bacon

Olive Oil

Olive Oil

Sea Salt, Black Pepper

Sea Salt, Black Pepper

Ingredients

Yukon Gold Potatoes – 10 potatoes (1400 grams (49 ounces))

European Style Smoked Lean Bacon – 150 grams (5 ounces)

Yellow Onion – 1 large

Freshly Ground Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon

Sea Salt – ½ teaspoon 

Olive Oil – ¼ cup (59 ml)

Potato Cake – The Polish cuisine is defined by regional culinary traditions and historical influences of the neighboring countries.  Fresh ingredients and diverse cooking techniques are a foundation of the Polish cuisine.  Since many centuries, the potato is used as a primary ingredient in many Polish dishes.  Potato Pancakes, a classic dish celebrated across Europe, are traditionally prepared with shredded raw potatoes that are formed into patties and fried until they have a golden color.  In my childhood, my grandmother prepared during the winter season delicious soups, stews and potato dishes.  All these dishes were cooked and baked in our traditional oven-stove, heated by wood and coal.  Our Potato Cake is a reflection of those wonderful winter moments.  In our recipe, we select Yukon Gold Potatoes and a European style smoked lean bacon.  Our Potato Cake is a hearty dish, full of flavor and aroma that is best served with a refreshing salad.

Cubed Bacon

Cubed Bacon

Unbaked Potato Cake

Unbaked Potato Cake

Baked Potato Cake

Baked Potato Cake

Poland, Potato Cake

Poland, Potato Cake

Preparation Method

Step 1 – Cut the bacon and the onion into small cubes.  In a sauté pan, fry the bacon on medium heat for a few minutes until lightly brown.  Add the onions and sauté for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

Step 2 – Clean and peel the potatoes.  In a large bowl, grate the potatoes by hand using the large holes of a grater box.  Add the bacon and onion mixture, sea salt, black pepper and olive oil, and mix thoroughly.

Step 3 – Put the mixture in a cast-iron skillet.  Flatten the mixture and make sure that the bacon and onion pieces are not on the surface to prevent burning.  Preheat the oven and bake the potato cake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 1 hour.  Set the oven to broil for the last 10 minutes to lightly brown the top.

Step 4 – Remove from the oven, cut into slices and enjoy with a fresh salad.