There are so many versions of this tasty, simple rustic pizza that can be found all across Italy, and it is considered a great example of peasant food since it is both filling and inexpensive to make. In many regions, thinly sliced potatoes are used to top basic pizza dough most often with no tomato sauce. Instead, the pizza is created by simply combining some shredded cheese, thin slices of potatoes, fresh herbs and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
In southern Italy, mashed potatoes are used to make the dough which results in a very tender, delicious crust, and this potato crust can be topped with a variety of toppings like any pizza. I tasted my favorite version of this pizza at a little panificio (Italian bakery) in Martina Franca. The pizza crust was made with mashed potatoes and then the pizza was topped with chunks of potatoes, a mix of cheeses, some chopped rosemary, sea salt and a drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil. This is my variation of this pizza……very similar to the one I tasted in Puglia with just a couple of small changes. This pizza would also be absolutely delicious cut into thin wedges and drizzled with a little truffle oil just before serving!