Bulgarian Potato Tortilla (Patatnik)
Rhodope Patatnik is a traditional Bulgarian dish made with grated potatoes, eggs, feta and fragrant spices and resembles, to some extend, a Spanish tortilla. It comes from the Rhodope mountain region and has a long history. This delicious and nutritious dish can be served as an appetiser, a vegetarian meal or a side to other dishes, especially roasted meats.
Equipment
- 1 large hob-safe shallow casserole dish or large oven-safe non-stick pan.
Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes grated
- 3 large eggs whisked
- 1 large red onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic pressed
- 150 g feta cheese grated
- 2-3 tablespoons butter or cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon spearmint fresh or dry, crushed or ground
- 1 teaspoon dry savoury spice if available
- salt and pepper to taste
- 50 feta cheese to sprinkle on the top
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/356°F.Peel and soak the potatoes in water for 15 minutes to release excess starch. Pat them dry after that and grate them on a large grater.Rinse the grated potatoes in a sieve under your kitchen tap. Squeeze them with your hand to remove as much liquid as possible, then press them with kitchen paper. Peel the onion and dice it finely. Grate the feta cheese. Peel and press the garlic. Whisk the eggs lightly in a small bowl.
- Transfer all the ingredients to a large bowl. Add salt and pepper and stir the ingredients in the bowl to combine them.
- Heat a large non-stick oven-safe pan on your hob. Add one tablespoon of butter to the pan and melt it. Transfer the potato mixture to the hot pan and press it with a spoon to shape it and remove air pockets. Brown the Patatnik pie on one side for 5-6 minutes on medium heat, then flip it on a large plate.Add another spoonful of butter to the pan and melt it. Carefully slide the Patatnik back into the pan to brown the uncooked side. If its shape gets damaged in transfer, press it with a spoon to fix it. Cook for further 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the hob and cover it with kitchen foil. Place the Patatnik in the middle of the hot oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are completely cooked.
- Remove the dish from the oven, sprinkle crumbled feta and fresh herbs on top and serve while still warm.