STICKY POTATOES are a typical Calabrian side dish, potatoes with onions cooked in a pan, simple and tasty, perfect to accompany meat or fish, great with barbecues.
I wanted to prepare a tasty side dish to accompany some roast meat, and since my neighbor gave me some fresh potatoes harvested straight from his garden, practically zero miles! I took the opportunity to cook a traditional Calabrian recipe I adore: sticky potatoes with onions.
It’s a simple dish, but with an incredible flavor, typical of the Calabrian rural cuisine. The sticky potatoes are called so because during cooking, they aren’t turned much, so they “stick” together, becoming soft inside and slightly crunchy outside. The addition of Tropea red onions, sweet and flavorful, makes them even more irresistible.
This Calabrian side dish is also perfect to accompany fish dishes or to serve simply with rustic bread. It’s a humble recipe but full of taste, and you really only need a few ingredients: potatoes, onions, and olive oil. Some also add Calabrian chili or vinegar for a bolder touch!
If you’re also looking for an easy Calabrian side dish, or want to know how to make sticky potatoes in a pan, try this traditional recipe: you’ll see how delicious it is!
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4 People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 1.3 lbs white potatoes
- 1 Tropea red onion
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Steps
Peel and slice the potatoes: cut them into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch). Do not wash them after cutting: the starch is essential to achieve the “sticky” effect (i.e., stuck together).
Slice the onion: cut it finely into thin slices.
In a large non-stick pan (preferably iron), pour the extra virgin olive oil and heat. Add the potatoes and spread them in an even layer.
Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes without stirring too much: they should form a crust on the bottom.
Add the onion to the potatoes and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, stirring gently to avoid breaking them too much. If needed, add a drizzle of oil on top.
Adjust the salt (and pepper if you like) towards the end of cooking. The potatoes will be ready when they are golden, soft inside, and slightly “stuck” together.
STICKY POTATOES with Onion
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STICKY POTATOES with Onion
What does “sticky potatoes” mean?
In Calabrian dialect, “mpacchiuse” means “stuck together.” The potatoes, during cooking, are not stirred much, so they remain united and soft inside.
What onions are used for sticky potatoes?
Traditionally, Tropea red onions are used, sweet and perfect for this Calabrian recipe.
Can I make sticky potatoes without onion?
Yes, but the onions are the ingredient that gives the authentic flavor to the dish. If you don’t like them, you can use shallots or omit them, but the result will be less characteristic.
Should the potatoes be peeled?
Yes, they are usually peeled and cut into thin slices for even cooking.
Can I bake them instead of cooking in a pan?
The original version is in a pan with olive oil. In the oven, you will get a different texture, but there’s nothing stopping you from trying!
