scamorza cheese and potato tarts

tortino con scamorza e patate

4 servings

• 8 large artichokes, trimmed to hearts
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for skillet
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ cup dry white wine
• Salt
• 3½ tablespoons pine nuts
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh marjoram
• ½ pound yukon gold potatoes,peeled and cut crosswise into 1⁄8-inch-thick slices
• 5 ounces smoked scamorza cheese,cut into 1⁄4-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper

Draw four (2¾-inch) circles, at least 1 inch apart, on piece of parchment paper; place on a baking sheet, pencil-side down.

Slice the artichoke hearts crosswise into thin slices. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the artichoke slices and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add the wine, ½ cup water, and ½ teaspoon salt; bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of the pine nuts, 1 tablespoon of the parsley, and marjoram; cook, stirring and adding more water if needed, until the artichoke hearts are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated, 2 to 3 minutes more. Transfer to a small bowl.

Using the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add the potatoes and ¼ teaspoon salt; stir to coat with oil. Add ½ cup water, bring to a simmer, and cook until slices are tender but hold their shape, and most of the liquid has evaporated, 12 to 15 minutes.

Preheat the broiler. Place a single layer of potato slices on each parchment paper circle. Add a layer of the artichoke mixture, then a layer of cheese. Repeat once. Top with a final layer of artichoke and a final layer of potato slices (if the tarts are tilting, create collars with aluminum foil to steady them). Sprinkle the tarts with 1½ tablespoons of the remaining pine nuts and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Broil tarts 6 inches from heat until golden, 2 to 3 minutes.

Finely chop the remaining tablespoon pine nuts and place in a bowl; stir in the remaining tablespoon oil and remaining 2 tablespoons parsley. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper, drizzle over the tarts, and serve immediately.

Scamorza is a sheep’s milk cheese from Puglia. Smoked mozzarella can be used in its place.