Crispy Bacon Potatoes is a traditional dish from the Friulian and Triestine cuisine, simple yet delicious. The original name of this dish is “Patate in Tecia” and it consists of sautéed potatoes, flavored with onions and often enriched with bacon or speck.
To prepare this dish, the potatoes are usually boiled first before being sliced or cubed. Then, you sauté the onions with a bit of oil or butter, add the potatoes and, if desired, the bacon. Everything is cooked together until the potatoes become golden brown and crispy on the outside. It’s the perfect side dish to accompany meats or cheeses and can be customized by adding aromatic herbs to suit your taste.
The Story and Origins of the “Patate in Tecia” Dish
“Patate in Tecia” is an iconic dish from the culinary traditions of Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region that carries a rich gastronomic heritage influenced by diverse cultures, including Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian. The term “tecia” is a dialect word meaning “pan or skillet”, and this dish reflects the simple, rustic character of the local cuisine, based on readily available, seasonal ingredients.
The origins of “Patate in Tecia” can be traced back to times when peasant cooking made extensive use of humble yet substantial ingredients. Potatoes, introduced to Europe after the discovery of the Americas, became a staple food in mountainous and rural areas due to their versatility and nutritional value. In Friulian and Triestine cuisine, potatoes are often paired with onions and pancetta, ingredients that were easily accessible in the farmyards of peasant families.
This recipe embodies the ability of families to create flavorful dishes with just a few essential ingredients, highlighting simple and authentic flavors. Over time, “Patate in Tecia” has become a beloved and widespread side dish, gracing the tables of feasts and local inns, symbolizing conviviality and tradition.
Video Tutorial
How to Make Italian Crispy Bacon Potatoes
Like all traditional Italian recipes, this one has many variations too, and every family prepares it their own way. The recipe I’m sharing with you today comes straight from a chef in Trieste, and it’s super simple yet delicious.
Ingredients for about 6 servings
- 1 kg (2 lb 3¼ oz) potatoes
- 1 white onion
- 100 g (3½ oz) bacon or “Italian pancetta” (read here the difference between bacon and “Italian pancetta”)
- 20 g (1-2 tablespoons) extra virgin olive oil
- 15 g (1 tablespoon) butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Italian-style Crispy Potatoes: Step-by-step Instructions
Let me walk you through the steps to make delicious Potatoes in Tecia — a classic Italian dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Cooking the Potatoes
First up, we need to cook the potatoes. Wash them thoroughly and place them in a pot with enough water to cover them. Let them simmer for around 30 minutes until they’re tender but still hold their shape — we don’t want them mushy.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and let them cool slightly. Peel them, cut them in half, and then into rough cubes (1).
Preparing the Onion and Bacon
While the potatoes are boiling, it’s time to prep the onion and bacon. Peel the onion, slice it in half, and then into thin strips (2). Cut the bacon into small cubes (3).
Now, heat some oil and half the butter in a skillet. Toss in the onion slices and sauté for a few minutes until fragrant. Add the bacon cubes and let them crisp up for about 10 minutes.
It’s potato time!
Carefully add the cubed potatoes to the skillet (4) and give everything a good mix. Use the back of a spoon to lightly smash some potato pieces — this will create a nice variety of textures (5).
Season with salt and pepper, then add the remaining butter. Continue cooking over medium-high heat for 10–13 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes develop a gorgeous golden crust.
And there you have it — hot, crispy potatoes, ready to be devoured!
Storing “Patate in Tecia” Leftovers
Storing leftovers of “patate in tecia” is pretty straightforward and allows you to enjoy this delicious dish the next day too. Here’s how to do it:
First, let the potatoes cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the potatoes to an airtight container. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from absorbing fridge odors. Store the container in the fridge for about 2–3 days.
When ready to enjoy them again, reheat the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil or a knob of butter to regain some crispness. Alternatively, you can microwave them, though they may lose a bit of crunchiness.
Crispy Bacon Potatoes, an Easy and Delicious Traditional Italian Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 kg potatoes
- 1 white onion
- 100 g bacon
- 20 g extra virgin olive oil
- 15 g butter
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes and place them in a pot with enough water to cover them.
- Cook for about 30 minutes, until they are tender but not overcooked.
- While the potatoes are boiling, peel the onion, cut it in half, and then slice it thinly.
- Cut the bacon into slices and then into small cubes.
- Once cooked, drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly.
- Peel them, cut them in half, and then cut them into rough cubes.
- In a skillet, heat the oil and half of the butter.
- Add the onions and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the bacon and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add the potatoes to the skillet and mix well.
- Use a spoon to gently smash some of the potatoes to create a variety of textures.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the remaining butter and continue cooking over medium-high heat for another 10–13 minutes.
- Continue cooking until a golden crust forms on the bottom of the potatoes.
- Serve the potatoes hot, straight from the skillet.
