Southwestern Potato Gratin Food

POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Add the cream and milk to a large saucepan over medium-low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the nutmeg, a big pinch of salt and some pepper. Meanwhile, slice the potatoes on a mandoline to 1/8-inch thick. Place the potatoes in the warm cream mixture and simmer gently until the potatoes are two-thirds of the way cooked and the cream has thickened, about 15 minutes.
• Place a 9-by-12-inch flameproof gratin dish on the stove over low heat. Brush the bottom and the sides with the melted butter. Spread the garlic around the bottom of the dish. Cook just long enough to toast the garlic in the butter, 3 to 4 minutes. Add a layer of the potato mixture. Combine the Gruyere and Parmesan in a bowl, then sprinkle a third of the cheese over the potatoes. Repeat the layering 2 more times, finishing with the remaining cheese. Pick the thyme leaves and sprinkle over the top, mixing with last layer of cheese. Place the gratin dish on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until bubbly and golden, 45 to 50 minutes (see Cook's Note).

SOUTHWESTERN POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Char chiles over gas flame or in a broiler until blackened on all sides. Enclose in paper bag and let stand 10 minutes. Peel, seed and chop chiles.
• Butter a 13-inch-by-9-inch-by- 2-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle garlic over bottom of dish.
• Arrange 1/4 of the potatoes in the dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then 1/3 of the chiles and 1/3 of the cilantro. Repeat layering of potatoes, chiles and cilantro, 2 more times, seasoning with salt and pepper. Top with any remaining potatoes.
• Pour broth over, then cream. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake until potatoes are tender, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Uncover, sprinkle cheeses over the potatoes and continue baking until liquid thickens, about 15 minutes.
• Cool slightly. Sprinkle with cilantro. Serve and enjoy.

INDIVIDUAL POTATO GRATINS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Spray 8 muffin tins with vegetable spray. Layer potato slices, cheese, and onions into each muffin cup. Season with salt and pepper and top each gratin with 1 or 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Cover with foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, removing the foil halfway through cooking time. Invert gratins onto plate and serve.

GARLIC POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, chopped thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the garlic and onion are slightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the wine and cook until mostly evaporated, about 2 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine the breadcrumbs or matzo meal, parsley, chives, the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl; reserve 2 tablespoons for topping.
• Arrange one-third of the potatoes over the onion in the skillet. Sprinkle with half of the remaining crumb mixture; top with another layer of potatoes. Repeat with another layer of the crumb mixture and potatoes. Pour the broth on top. Cover, bring to a boil and cook, undisturbed, 5 minutes.
• Uncover, sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt. Transfer the skillet to the oven; bake until the potatoes are golden brown and crisp on top, about 45 minutes. Let rest 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

SWEET POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Pour 1 cup cream into a large ovenproof skillet. Arrange sweet potatoes evenly in pan, season with salt and pepper, and pour remaining cream on top. Gently press on potatoes to submerge. Bring to a simmer over medium, transfer to oven, and bake 12 minutes. Press on potatoes to submerge again and bake until potatoes are tender and cream is bubbling, 8 to 10 minutes more. Sprinkle with cinnamon, ginger, and cayenne. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

SOUTHWESTERN SWEET-POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13- inch baking dish; set aside. Toss potatoes with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Arrange half of potatoes in buttered dish, overlapping slices. Sprinkle with half of each cheese. Top with onion.
• Stir chipotle (if desired) into stock; drizzle over onion. Sprinkle with half the cilantro. Top with remaining potatoes; sprinkle with remaining cheeses and cilantro. Scatter chips on top.
• Cover with foil; bake 30 minutes. Remove foil; bake until very tender and top is well browned, about 30 minutes more. Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with limes, and with crema, if desired.