The Genoese loaf is a typical preparation from the Ligurian capital, essentially made of potatoes and green beans. It is, therefore, a vegetarian loaf, whose ingredients reveal a humble and peasant origin. Without meat and more similar in shape to a gateau than a loaf – it is baked in a baking dish and served at room temperature – the Genoese loaf seems to have little to do with the classic meatloaves.
Great as both a vegetarian main course and an appetizer or side dish, the Genoese loaf has a delicate flavor and an undeniably appetizing aroma. Besides potatoes and green beans, the Genoese loaf is made with Parmesan, nutmeg, and marjoram and is sprinkled with breadcrumbs, making it crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The Genoese loaf is easy to make and great for preparing in advance.
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- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 50 Minutes
- Portions: 4 people
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 18 oz Green Beans
- 25 oz Potatoes
- 2 Eggs
- 1.75 oz Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 Onion (small)
- 1 sprig Marjoram
- 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- pinches Nutmeg
- 0.35 oz Butter
- to taste Breadcrumbs (gluten-free for me)
Tools
- 1 Pot
- 1 Pan
- 1 Baking Dish
- 1 Food Mill
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Spoon
Preparation
To prepare the Genoese loaf, start by trimming the green beans (1). Rinse them thoroughly and boil them in salted water for about 15 minutes (2). Separately, boil the potatoes, whole and with their skins, until they are tender. It will take about 40 minutes for medium potatoes, half the time if you use a pressure cooker. If you have a microwave, follow this tutorial to boil the potatoes without water. Chop the onion and sauté it in oil in a large pan (3).
Add the green beans and let them simmer for 4-5 minutes (4). Peel the potatoes and mash them with a food mill (5). Pass the green beans through the food mill as well, along with their cooking juices (6).
In the end, you will obtain a homogeneous mixture (7). Season with salt, pepper, and a good pinch of nutmeg. Add the marjoram leaves and Parmesan (8). Stir briefly and add the eggs (9).
Mix thoroughly with a spoon until you get a soft and homogeneous mixture (10). Butter a baking dish and sprinkle it with breadcrumbs (11). Then distribute the Genoese loaf mixture, forming a layer about 1 inch high and leveling the surface with a spoon (12).
Decorate the surface by making lines with the back of a fork (13), then sprinkle with some breadcrumbs and garnish with a few knobs of butter (14). Bake the Genoese loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (static) for 25-30 minutes, until the surface is well browned (15). Remove from the oven and let it cool.
Serve the Genoese potato and green bean loaf at room temperature.
The Genoese loaf recipe is also available as a video, follow me on my YouTube channel!
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