Potato torte

The potato torte is tough enough to withstand tampering. Sage, for instance. Even pumpkin. The torte takes new jobs in stride. Then strides out for a hard day of multitasking.

Winter breakfast

Prep: 20 minutes
Bake: 25 minutes
Serves: 2

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium boiling potatoes (such as Yukon Gold), peeled and thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 small clove garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon slivered fresh sage leaves
2 eggs
2 tablespoons cream
2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
1 pinch nutmeg
1 pinch ground cayenne pepper
Unsalted butter for slicking ramekins

Toast:
Heat oil in medium nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat. Slip in potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning now and then, until they begin to color, about 4 minutes. Add onion, cook 2 minutes. Add garlic and sage, cook 1 minute. When it all looks golden (but not brown), pull pan off heat.

Whisk:
In a medium bowl whisk together eggs, cream, pumpkin, nutmeg and cayenne. Use a slotted spoon to add potatoes. Mix gently and let rest, 10 minutes.

Bake:
Slide potato mixture into 2 buttered ramekins (5-ounce size) set on a rimmed baking sheet. Slide into a 350-degree oven and bake until slightly puffed and golden, about 25 minutes. Enjoy.

Provenance:
Inspired by breakfast at Johnny's, in Baltimore.

Read the Good Eating story

December 13, 2012