Potato Pancake with Gruyère, Pancetta & Crème Fraîche

Potato Pancake with Gruyère, Pancetta & Crème Fraîche

Recipe & Photo by Lucia Lee @FoodMinimalist
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish

To make this recipe, you will need:
  

  • 1-1 ½ lbs baby Yukon gold potatoes
  • 1 ½ cup grated Gruyère
  • 4 oz La Quercia Pancetta
  • Crème fraîche and parsley (or chives) for serving
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil potatoes until knife pierces through easily, about 10-15 min. Let cool, roughly crush potatoes with your palm and the skin will easily comes off. Include or discard skin as desired.
  • In a large non-stick pan, crisp pancetta on low heat until fat renders and pancetta is crisp but not burnt. Remove pancetta from pan, set aside. Leave rendered fat behind.
  • Keep pancetta fat on low heat. Carefully add crushed potatoes and spread out in an even layer. Still on low heat, sprinkle about a cup of grated Gruyère on top, cover and let everything steam for about 5 minutes.
  • Use a wooden spoon to further break up the potatoes and gently stir in the melted cheese. Crumble up your reserved cooked pancetta. Add half of the pancetta crumbles, another ½ cup of grated Gruyère and stir everything to combine. Spread pancake out evenly and flatten with a spatula. Turn heat up to medium-high and cook until the bottom of potatoes is golden, about 5 min. Press down and check occasionally.
  • Carefully flip pancake by putting a large serving plate over the pan and turning it over so the bottom is facing up. Things will be hot so use a dish towel if needed. Slide the pancake back into the pan, golden side facing up. Cook for about 3 more min, pressing down once in a while. When ready, slide pancake onto the serving plate.
  • Cut into wedges and serve with parsley, crème fraîche and remaining pancetta crumbles. Be careful about adding salt because the Gruyère and pancetta already provide a good amount of seasoning and flavor.