Crispy Potato, Onion, and Mushroom Cake

Take your taste buds on a delightful journey with this Crispy Potato, Onion, and Mushroom Cake, also known as Rösti. This hearty and flavorful dish combines thinly sliced or grated russet potatoes with caramelized onions, savory mushrooms, and fragrant garlic to create a mouthwatering treat. The crispy texture and rich flavors of this potato cake make it a versatile and satisfying dish for any mealtime. Whether you serve it as a hearty breakfast, a tasty lunch, or a comforting dinner, this Rösti recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen!

Serves 2 or 3

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 medium russet (baking) potatoes (about 1 pound), rinsed and cut into 1/16-inch matchsticks or grated on the large holes of a box grater
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely sliced (about 1 cup)
• 4 ounces button mushrooms, finely sliced
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced or grated on a Microplane (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Begin by spreading the cut or grated potatoes on a large microwave-safe plate. Microwave them on high until they are hot all the way through and slightly softened but still retain some crunchiness, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch cast-iron or heavy-bottomed nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the finely sliced onions and mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring and tossing occasionally, until they become softened and start to brown, approximately 8 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until the aromas become fragrant, which should take about 30 seconds. Season the mixture with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer the onion and mushroom mixture to a small bowl, and wipe out the skillet to prepare for the next step.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add half of the par-cooked potatoes to the skillet and press them into the bottom of the pan with a rubber spatula to form an even layer. Season the potatoes with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Spread the cooked onion and mushroom mixture evenly over the first layer of potatoes. Then, top the mixture with the remaining potatoes, pressing them down with the spatula to create an even disk. Season this top layer with salt and pepper as well.
6. Cook the potato cake (rösti), swirling and shaking the pan occasionally, until the potatoes become deep golden brown and crispy on the first side. This process should take about 7 minutes. Carefully slide the crispy potato cake onto a large plate.
7. Place another plate on top of the potato cake, upside down. Grip the edges of both plates and invert the whole thing so that the rösti is now cooked side up.
8. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet and slide the rösti back into the pan. Season this side of the potato cake with salt and pepper as well.
9. Continue cooking the rösti, swirling and shaking the pan occasionally, until it becomes deep golden brown and crispy on the second side, approximately 7 minutes longer.
10. Slide the perfectly crispy Crispy Potato, Onion, and Mushroom Cake onto a cutting board, and it’s ready to be served immediately.

Enjoy the delicious flavors and crispy texture of this Crispy Potato, Onion, and Mushroom Cake (Rösti) as a delightful side dish or a satisfying main course. With the perfect balance of potatoes, caramelized onions, and savory mushrooms, this Rösti is a comforting and flavorful treat for any mealtime. Pair it with aioli, mayonnaise, or ketchup for a delectable dipping experience. Happy cooking!