French Potato Gratin Food

CLASSIC BISTRO STYLE GRATIN DAUPHINOIS - FRENCH GRATIN POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 300F/150C/gas mark 2.
• Take a heavy-bottomed dish or an ovenproof gratin dish (a Le Creuset is ideal - the potatoes tend not to catch), and grease it will with some of the butter.
• Layer the potato slices in the dish, slightly overlapping each other, seasoning lightly with the salt and pepper, and sprinkling a liberal amount of cheese on each layer.
• Sprinkle cheese on the top of the last layer.
• Put the double cream, garlic and sprigs of thyme in a pan and bring to them gently to the boil, then remove the thyme and pour hot cream over the potatoes.
• Dot the top of the gratin with the remaining butter and some extra cheese if you wish, and bake for about 1 hr to 1 1/2 hrs, or until the potatoes are soft, and the top is crispy and golden brown.
• Serve bubbling hot as a main meal or as an accompaniment.

FRENCH POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Peel and slice potatoes thinly.
• Use a food processor if available.
• Lightly grease an ovenproof casserole.
• Layer potato slices in casserole, sprinkling each layer with salt, pepper and nutmeg.
• Press garlic over mixture.
• Add cream and milk.
• You may prepare ahead of time up to this step.
• Bake at 400 degrees F for about 40 minutes, or until potatoes are soft and creamy and golden brown on surface.

FRENCH ONION SOUP POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• For the caramelized onions: In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted and bubbling, add a large handful of the onions and cook until translucent, 1 to 2 minutes. Repeat until all the onions have been added. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn medium brown, about 30 minutes. If the onions start to get too dark, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of beef stock as necessary. Add the sherry to deglaze the pan. Add the mustard and stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and set aside.
• For the potato gratin: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into thin slices. Do your best to keep the potatoes in a stack--this will make it easier to layer them in the pan. Set the potatoes aside.
• Use the reserved butter wrapper to lightly grease the bottom and sides of a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet. Discard the wrapper.
• Arrange a thin shingled layer of potatoes in concentric circles around the skillet. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, then arrange an even layer of caramelized onions on top of the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
• In a medium bowl, combine the Gruyere and mozzarella and reserve half for later use. Sprinkle on a layer of the remaining cheese mixture over the onions. Repeat the layers until all the ingredients (not including the reserved cheese) have been used. Press down firmly on the layers to flatten.
• In a large bowl or measuring cup, combine the heavy cream and beef stock and pour over the gratin. Cover the skillet with foil and place on a sheet pan. Bake the potatoes, covered, until the top and edges have begun to brown and the potatoes are tender, 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30 minutes. You can test by inserting a knife into the potatoes; if it goes in and comes out without resistance, then the potatoes are done.
• Remove the skillet from the oven, remove the foil and turn the broiler on high. Combine the croutons and French fried onions. Cover the gratin with a layer of the crouton mixture followed by the remaining cheese. Broil until golden brown and bubbly, 5 to 8 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

CLASSIC FRENCH GRATIN DAUPHINOIS

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring the potatoes, milk, and garlic to a gentle simmer.
• Continue to cook the potatoes, gently stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat as necessary to maintain a simmer, until just tender, about 15 minutes. Be very careful not to overcook them as they need to hold their shape for layering in the pan. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 F.
• Transfer the potatoes to a medium bowl with a slotted spoon, taking care not to break the slices. Drain the milk from the pan and reserve for another use. Add the heavy cream, crème fraiche or sour cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the saucepan and whisk to combine. Gently return the potatoes to the pan.
• Heat the potato-cream mixture to barely a simmer (a few bubbles are fine but no more) for 10 to 15 minutes until the potatoes are very tender but not falling apart.
• Butter a large baking dish. Transfer the potatoes to the baking dish with a slotted spoon, layering them without breaking them up too much.
• Cover with the cream from the pan.
• Sprinkle the Gruyere cheese over the potatoes (if using).
• Bake in the oven until the potatoes are golden brown on top and the cream is mostly absorbed, about 50 minutes.
• Serve with your favorite main dish. Enjoy!