Torta is Italian, meaning Tart, Cake or Pie (or so I've been told!) This delicious, dirt cheap dish makes a lovely vegetarian entree

  • 6 cups cubed peeled baking potato (about 1 3/4 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • Cooking spray
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced Italian-style tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 3/4 cup (3 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese
  • Thyme sprigs (optional)

Preheat oven to 450F
Boil potatoes in saucepan until tender, drain.
Once drained add flour, oil, salt, and egg to potatoes and Mash until smooth.

Spread mashed potato mix into a 9-inch round cake pan that has been coated with cooking spray or olive oil.
Combine seasoning, garlic, and tomatoes; spread evenly over potato mixture. Combine cheeses, and sprinkle over tomato mixture. Bake at 450 for 25 minutes or until golden.

Let stand 15 minutes. Cut torta into 4 wedges. Garnish with thyme, if desired.

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 wedge)