Gaby
An important component of nutrition is responsible for electrical conductivity in cells, which is crucial for muscle and nerve activity. Thanks to the potassium found in potatoes (which contains over 420 mg per 100 g), this tuber supports normal heart function. Vitamin B6, present at 0.3 mg per 100 g, ensures the proper functioning of hundreds of enzymes, aids in protein breakdown, and supports mental health. The potato-derived neurotransmitter acetylcholine dilates blood vessels, normalizes heart rhythm, and facilitates muscle contractions. In combination with fats, choline forms phospholipids—the building blocks of cell membranes. When it comes to cellular construction, potatoes rank just behind protein sources like meat and soy.
Ingredients for the base (serves 8): 450 g of peeled potatoes; 1 egg; 1 tablespoon of flour; 1 teaspoon of dried garlic; 1 teaspoon of Italian herb mix; black pepper and salt to taste.
Ingredients for the filling: 80 g of ham or sausage; 150 g of sulguni cheese or classic parmesan; 2 tomatoes; 1 small onion; 10 olives; 1 clove of garlic; 3 tablespoons of ketchup.
Grate the peeled potatoes, place them in a sieve, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out the excess moisture.
Add a raw egg to the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well. Gradually add the flour and mix again until the mixture is uniform.
After heating a skillet with a thin layer of oil, pour the mixture into the pan, flatten it with a spoon, and fry for two minutes over high heat. Then, reduce the heat and cook for another five minutes under a lid. Flip the potato “pancake” to the other side and fry it in the same manner.
Next, prepare the filling components. Mix the pressed garlic with the ketchup. Grate the cheese using a fine grater. Cut the olives in half. Slice the tomatoes into rounds, the onion into thin half-rings, and the sausage or ham into half-moons.
Transfer the potato base to a baking sheet or baking dish. Spread the potato “pancake” with the garlic ketchup and sprinkle with grated cheese, using two-thirds of the prepared amount.
Add the onion, sausage (or ham), and olives. Top with the tomato slices and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Place the pizza in a preheated oven. For traditional pizza, the maximum temperature is usually set, as Italians bake it in a wood-fired oven. However, 180°C will suffice for us since the potato base is already cooked. Bake for 15 minutes. Once the cheese melts, remove the potato pizza from the oven, cut it into pieces, and serve.
Life Hack
In Italian pizzerias, a pizza with a diameter of 25–30 cm is considered a single serving for one diner. According to local culinary traditions, hot pizza from the oven is typically drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with grated parmesan on top.
