Potatoes Baked with Tomatoes

During a conversation with one of my Italian student's about lasagna I learned there is a difference between what she refers to as "Italian food for Americans" and authentic Italian food. She explained, "The-ah lasagna should-eh not have-ah mozzarella or ricotta. Only Béchamel and very little Parmesan-ah on de top-ah." With an accent like that, how could I not be enticed? I rushed home that day and looked in my only Italian cookbook: The Cook's Encyclopedia of Italian Cooking. To my amazement, both lasagna recipes in this book were true to Benny's word. It was at this moment that I decided that this cookbook is legit.

Needing a break from meat, I found this recipe which Jason has dubbed a "poor man's lasagna". I tend to agree. There are layers, cheese, tomatoes and you can buy the main ingredients for under $10. While intended as a side dish, I thought it would be hearty enough to serve as the main dish with a side of salad. It turned out very flavorful and I recommend eating it on its own, as a side, or over rice or risotto.

Potatoes Baked with Tomatoes (Patate e Pomodori al Forno)

2 large red or yellow onions (I used on of each)
2-3 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3-4 fresh tomatoes (the freshest and most flavorful you can find)
A few leaves of fresh basil
6 tblsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup of freshly grated Parmesean
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup of water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush a solid amount of olive oil on the bottom of a medium-large baking dish. Arrange a layer of onions on the bottom of the dish. Next, arrange a layer of potatoes and then a layer of tomatoes on top of that.



Pour olive oil, salt, and pepper on top of all of it. For the final layer, overlap potatoes and tomatoes (ratatouille-style). Garnish with torn pieces of basil, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and the remainder of the oil. Pour on the water and bake for 1 hour or until all layers of potato are tender. The top should be lightly browned and have crisp edges. Buon Appetito!