Sure! Here’s a classic recipe for Potato Gratin (also known as Gratin Dauphinois). This dish is creamy, cheesy, and perfect as a side for a variety of main courses.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (about 1 kg) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or a combination of Gruyère and Parmesan)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh thyme (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Try to keep the slices uniform for even cooking.
- Infuse Cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts to simmer, remove from heat.
- Assemble the Gratin:
- Grease a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches) with the unsalted butter.
- Arrange a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Pour a portion of the cream mixture over the potatoes, just enough to cover them.
- Sprinkle some of the grated cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers until all the potatoes, cream, and cheese are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Cool and Serve: Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set a bit and makes it easier to slice. Garnish with fresh thyme if desired.
Tips:
- Cheese: Gruyère cheese gives a wonderful nutty flavor, but you can mix it with Parmesan or even use other cheeses like cheddar for a different taste.
- Cream Mixture: For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and whole milk.
- Herbs: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream mixture for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Potato Gratin!
