Mashed potatoes get a savory upgrade here — folded with sweet sautéed leeks, briny capers, and a sharp chili cheese, then baked inside a golden puff pastry shell. It’s comfort food with a little backbone: the filling is rich with butter, but the leeks bring a gentle sweetness and the capers cut through with bursts of salt and acidity.
It comes together more easily than it looks — boil and mash the potatoes, soften the leeks in butter, fold everything together, then wrap it in a sheet of store-bought puff pastry and bake until the crust is deep gold and crisp. Serve it as a vegetarian main with a sharp green salad, or as a side alongside roast chicken or pork.
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Buttery Mashed Potatoes and Leeks in Puff Pastry Pie
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple yet elegant tart featuring creamy potato and leek puree spread over flaky puff pastry. Salty capers and spicy cheese provide a delightful contrast in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potatoes
- 2 leeks
- salt and pepper to taste
- 60 g (2.1 oz / 4 tablespoons) butter
- 100 g (3.5 oz / 1/2 cup) capers
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated pepper
- 70 g (2.5 oz) cheese with chili (or other hard cheese)
- 1 sheet (or about one 14 ounce / 397 g package puff pastry)
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and let them cook with the leeks (washed and cut).
- Once cooked, mash the potatoes and season with butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add the capers and freshly grated pepper and mix.
- Roll out the puff pastry on a baking sheet greased or covered with parchment paper.
- Cover the pastry with the mashed potato mixture and top with the diced cheese.
- Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes at 180°C (350°F).
Notes
- Ensure the potatoes are cooked until very tender before mashing for a smooth puree.
- Make sure to thoroughly drain the potatoes after cooking to avoid a watery puree that could make the puff pastry soggy.
- Bake the puff pastry until golden brown to ensure it is fully cooked and flaky.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the tart
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 12
- Cholesterol: 50
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of cheese can I use for the Buttery Mashed Potatoes and Leeks in Puff Pastry Pie?
You can use a variety of fine cheeses such as mozzarella, fontina, or even a sharp cheddar to enhance the flavor of the dish.
How do I prepare the leeks for this pie?
Wash the leeks thoroughly to remove any grit, then cut them and cook them together with the potatoes until tender before mashing.
Can I replace the puff pastry with a different crust?
Yes, you can use a shortcrust pastry or even phyllo dough as an alternative, though the texture and flavor may vary.
