Shredded Potato Cake with Leeks and Gruyere

Potatoes and cheese. Yum. What combination is more luscious? Maybe chocolate and strawberries, but potatoes and cheese are a close second in my book. I came across this recipe in Yankee magazine. I read the name of the chef, Rick Gencarelli, and thought it sounded familiar. Where had I seen that name before? Oh yeah, I just ordered a cookbook he co-authored: Cooking with Shelburne Farms: Food and Stories from Vermont. I've bookmarked quite a few recipe already, so get ready for some Vermont eats.

The hardest part of this whole recipe was flippin' that potato cake. I was screeching while I flipped it onto a plate. I breathed a big sigh of relief when it actually worked and was in one piece!

Shredded Potato Cake with Leeks and Gruyere
Printable recipe
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 small leeks, white and light green parts only, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced
1 ½ pounds russet or Yukon Gold potatoes
¾ cup grated Gruyere (or any other Alpine style cheese)
Kosher or sea salt

In a medium size cast iron fry pan heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium low heat. Add the leeks and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until leeks are silky and lightly browned (about 20 minutes). Remove from pan.

Rinse the potatoes well, but don’t peel. Shred on a box grater. Place shredded potatoes on a clean dishtowel and sprinkle with another generous pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Toss potatoes with your hands to season. Gather the towel corners together and twist (over a bowl or sink) to remove as much of the moister as possible.

In the still warm fry pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add half the shredded potatoes in an even layer, pressing them into the pan. Add leeks and cheese in an even layer. Add remaining potatoes and press into top of pan. Cover the pan and cook until potatoes are golden brown on the bottom (peek with a spatula), 8 to 10 minutes. Turn a plate (larger than the pan) over on top of the potatoes. Place your hands firmly on top of the plate and carefully flip the pan so the potato cake is on the plate.

Heat remaining oil until shimmering. Slide the potato cake back into the pan, raw side down, cover and cook 8 to 10 more minutes. Slide from pan and let rest 3 – 5 minutes before serving.

This was absolutely delicious. Crunchy potatoes with creamy cheese and leeks in the middle, oh my, it really was outstanding and now that I'm not afraid to flip it anymore, I will make this again.