Both potatoes and tomatoes are used in so many creative ways around the world. Here are five unique dishes that feature these two ingredients in exciting ways:
1. Patatas Bravas (Spain)
- What it is: Patatas Bravas are crispy fried potatoes served with a tangy, spicy tomato-based sauce. This dish is a popular tapas (small plate) in Spain, especially in places like Madrid and Barcelona.
- How it’s made: The potatoes are typically fried until golden and crispy, then topped with a spicy tomato sauce made from tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and paprika. Some variations also include a garlic aioli on top for extra flavor.
- Why it’s unique: The combination of crispy, soft potatoes with the smoky and spicy tomato sauce is absolutely irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures!
2. Aloo Gobi (India)
- What it is: Aloo Gobi is a famous vegetarian curry from India made with potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) in a spiced tomato-based sauce.
- How it’s made: Potatoes and cauliflower are cooked with a mix of spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, and garam masala, along with fresh tomatoes and onions to create a flavorful, hearty dish. It’s typically served with roti (flatbread) or rice.
- Why it’s unique: The earthy potatoes and cauliflower absorb all the aromatic spices, while the tomatoes provide a tangy depth of flavor that makes the dish so comforting and rich.
3. Tomato and Potato Gratin (France)
- What it is: A French classic, this gratin is a layered dish of thinly sliced potatoes and tomatoes, baked together in a rich, creamy sauce.
- How it’s made: Potatoes and tomatoes are thinly sliced and layered in a baking dish, alternating with cheese (typically Gruyère) and a creamy mixture of cream, garlic, and herbs. The dish is baked until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Why it’s unique: The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs perfectly with the creamy, rich potatoes, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. The layers make each bite a delicious combination of textures.
4. Baked Potato with Tomato and Feta (Greece)
- What it is: A Mediterranean twist on the classic baked potato, this dish features baked potatoes topped with fresh tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives, bringing in bold, fresh flavors.
- How it’s made: Large potatoes are baked until tender, then topped with a mixture of fresh diced tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of olive oil and herbs like oregano and basil.
- Why it’s unique: The combination of the warm, fluffy potato with the tangy tomatoes and salty feta gives this dish a Mediterranean flair. It’s simple but bursting with vibrant flavors.
5. Causa Rellena (Peru)
- What it is: Causa Rellena is a traditional Peruvian dish made with mashed potatoes and layered with a variety of fillings, such as tuna, chicken, or avocado, and topped with a tomato-based sauce.
- How it’s made: The mashed potatoes are typically flavored with lime juice, chili, and mustard, then layered with fillings like tuna or chicken, and garnished with avocado, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. The whole dish is often served cold.
- Why it’s unique: This dish is a fantastic example of how potatoes can be used in a cold preparation, where their creamy texture acts as a perfect base for the vibrant fillings and flavors of the tomato-based sauce.
Honorable Mention: Pommes Anna (France)
- What it is: A classic French potato dish made from thinly sliced potatoes, butter, and sometimes a hint of garlic, cooked to create a crisp, golden crust.
- How it’s made: Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with melted butter in a baking dish, then baked until the edges are crispy and golden, and the inside is soft and creamy.
- Why it’s unique: The richness of the butter and the perfectly crispy exterior make this a simple but luxurious dish.
Let’s explore some more exciting and unique potato and tomato dishes from around the world that highlight different cooking styles, ingredients, and flavors.
6. Pommes de Terre Sarladaises (France)
- What it is: This dish hails from the Périgord region of southwestern France and features potatoes cooked in duck fat with garlic, parsley, and sometimes onions, creating a rich and flavorful side dish.
- How it’s made: Potatoes are sliced thin and sautéed in duck fat (or sometimes other fats like goose fat), then seasoned with garlic, fresh parsley, and sometimes a splash of white wine for extra depth. It’s often served as a side to meats like duck or steak.
- Why it’s unique: The use of duck fat gives the potatoes an amazing depth of flavor, and the combination of crispy edges with a soft interior makes this a luxurious side dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted meats.
7. Shakshuka (Middle East/North Africa)
- What it is: Shakshuka is a popular North African and Middle Eastern dish, traditionally made with poached eggs in a spicy, tomato-based sauce, often served with bread or potatoes on the side.
- How it’s made: The base is a flavorful tomato sauce made with onions, garlic, peppers, and spices like cumin and paprika. Potatoes are sometimes added into the sauce to absorb the flavors. Poached eggs are cracked directly into the sauce and simmered until the whites are set. It’s typically eaten with crusty bread to dip into the sauce.
- Why it’s unique: The combination of eggs, tomatoes, and sometimes potatoes creates a hearty, savory dish that’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The tomatoes provide acidity, while the potatoes add substance and texture to the sauce.
8. Moussaka (Greece)
- What it is: Moussaka is a Greek comfort food dish that layers potatoes, eggplant, and a spiced meat sauce, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.
- How it’s made: Potatoes are usually sliced and fried or baked until tender. Then, layers of sautéed eggplant and a rich meat sauce (typically lamb or beef with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and cinnamon) are assembled. The dish is topped with a smooth béchamel sauce and baked until golden and bubbly.
- Why it’s unique: The contrast between the tender potatoes, the savory meat sauce, and the creamy béchamel makes for a deliciously indulgent dish. The tomatoes in the meat sauce bring brightness to balance out the richness.
9. Tomato and Potato Soup (Germany)
- What it is: A comforting, warming soup that blends the mildness of potatoes with the acidity of fresh tomatoes, often enhanced with herbs and served with a dollop of sour cream.
- How it’s made: Potatoes and tomatoes are simmered together with onions, garlic, and herbs like thyme or bay leaves. Once softened, the mixture is puréed to create a creamy, smooth texture, and sometimes a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream is added for extra richness.
- Why it’s unique: This dish is a perfect example of how the earthy, creamy potatoes balance out the sharpness of tomatoes. It’s super satisfying and can be served both as a light meal or a side dish to a main course.
10. Tartiflette (France)
- What it is: Tartiflette is a hearty French alpine dish made with potatoes, reblochon cheese (a creamy, soft cheese from the French Alps), lardons (bacon), and onions. Tomatoes don’t always feature prominently in this dish, but in some variations, they’re added to give a slight acidity and color.
- How it’s made: Potatoes are sliced and cooked until tender, then layered with sautéed onions and lardons. The mixture is topped with slices of reblochon cheese, then baked until bubbly and golden. Sometimes, tomatoes are added for a burst of freshness.
- Why it’s unique: The creamy, gooey cheese combined with the smoky bacon and soft potatoes makes this a comfort food favorite. The addition of tomatoes (in some variations) can cut through the richness and add a little brightness.
11. Czech Potato Salad (Smažený Smažený Bramborový Salát)
- What it is: A hearty, mayonnaise-based potato salad with tomatoes and other vegetables, often served as a side dish to meats in Czech cuisine, especially during holidays and celebrations.
- How it’s made: The potatoes are boiled, then mixed with mayonnaise, mustard, diced tomatoes, pickles, and sometimes boiled eggs. It’s typically served cold.
- Why it’s unique: This Czech-style potato salad is rich and tangy, with the tomatoes adding a fresh burst of flavor against the creamy dressing. It’s commonly enjoyed with schnitzels or other roasted meats.
12. Frittata di Patate e Pomodoro (Italy)
- What it is: A classic Italian frittata made with potatoes and tomatoes, often served as a breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
- How it’s made: Potatoes are sliced and sautéed until golden, then combined with beaten eggs and fresh tomatoes. The mixture is cooked gently in a pan and flipped to brown on both sides. It’s often seasoned with fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
- Why it’s unique: This dish highlights the simplicity of Italian cooking, where just a few key ingredients—eggs, potatoes, tomatoes—create a satisfying meal. The tomatoes keep the frittata moist, while the potatoes provide substance.