The Italian Dish ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ Star Stanley Tucci Grew Up Loving Is Still His Comfort Food
Stanley Tucci is widely known as an actor, but in recent years he has also become closely linked with food and cooking. This comes from his cooking shows, travel food series, and several books about Italian food.
According to an interview on Good Morning America, Tucci said he does not really believe in having one favorite food, explaining that “there’s no such thing” when it comes to choosing a single favorite dish.
Even with that idea, Tucci has still pointed to a very specific dish from his childhood. In an Instagram video shared by Tucci, he and his mother, Joan Tucci, cooked Italian potato croquettes together. During the video, Joan explained that this dish was a regular part of their home meals. She said that the croquettes were “always” one of her son’s favorites when he was growing up.
The dish they prepared is made from mashed potatoes mixed with egg, grated pecorino Romano cheese, flour, and breadcrumbs. The mixture is shaped by hand into small log-like forms and then cooked in oil until the outside becomes golden and crisp. Joan Tucci also mentioned that cooking the dish is not about strict measurements. Instead, she explained that “it’s hard to get proportions, because you don’t really know; you have to feel it.” This shows how traditional and home-style the recipe is.
Italian potato croquettes are known in different regions by different names. They can be called panzerotti di patate, crocchette di patate, crocchè, or cazzilli. The dish originally comes from Sicily and developed as a variation of French croquettes after potatoes were introduced to Italy in the 1600s. Over time, the recipe spread across Italy and changed depending on the region.
While they are usually deep-fried, some versions are pan-fried or baked instead. Tucci himself prefers cooking them in a pan rather than deep frying. Some recipes include fillings like cheese, prosciutto, or anchovy. In Naples, they are often made with a soft cheese filling. Other cooks use riced potatoes for a smoother texture, while others stick to a chunkier mash.
Fans responded warmly to the Tucci family video online. Many people commented on the strong family bond shown in the cooking session. According to reactions on Instagram, viewers enjoyed seeing Tucci and his mother together in the kitchen and shared their own memories of making similar dishes at home.
For people who want to try Italian potato croquettes, they can sometimes be found in specialty Italian markets. However, they are not commonly sold in regular supermarkets, especially the traditional versions. Many store-bought alternatives also use different ingredients, which can change the flavor and texture. Because of this, home cooking is often considered the best way to experience the dish as it is meant to be made.
The story shared by Tucci highlights how food can be tied to memory and family. In his case, potato croquettes are not just a recipe, but a reminder of childhood meals shared with his mother.
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