Wasabi Potato Gratin Food

WASABI AND ROASTED GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Trim off the top 1/2-inch of the garlic bulb with a sharp knife to expose some of the clove ends. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap loosely in aluminum foil, and place on a small baking sheet. Roast until the bulb is soft and fragrant, 45 to 55 minutes. Squeeze the cloves from the skins and set aside in a small bowl until ready to use.
• Place the potatoes in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and simmer until a fork inserted into a potato releases easily, about 20 minutes.
• In a small glass bowl, mix the wasabi powder with 1/2 teaspoon of water to start, adding any additional water by drops until a thick paste is created. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside to bloom, at least 5 minutes.
• Drain water from the potatoes and return the potatoes to the pot, allowing excess water to evaporate. In a small saucepan or in the microwave, warm the butter and heavy cream. Add the mixture to the potatoes, along with the wasabi and roasted garlic cloves, and mash until smooth and fluffy. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
• Serve warm.

WASABI MASHED POTATOES

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water by two inches. Add ½ tsp. of salt and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to simmer, cover the pot partially, and cook until the Yukon potatoes are very tender when tested with the tip of a sharp paring knife, 25 - 30 minutes.
• Drain the Yukon potatoes, set aside some of the cooking water.
• Blend the cream and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
• Place the Yukon potatoes through a potato ricer or food mill and return them to the pot over low heat. Add the hot cream and butter mixture fold in wasabi powder and mix with a wooden spoon. If the Yukon potatoes are too thick, add a small amount of the reserved cooking water until they are the consistency you like or use a hand mixer for a smoother texture. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside to keep warm.

CLASSIC POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400°F.
• Using a very sharp knife, a mandoline, or th slicing blade on a food processor, cut the potatoes into uniform 1/8-inch slices (no thicker).
• Put the potatoes in a large heavy-based saucepan and add the cream, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic.
• Cook the mixture over medium-high heat until the cream boils, stirring occasionally (very gently with a rubber spatula so you don't break up the slices).
• When the cream boils, pour the mixture into a 2 1/2- or 3-qt.
• baking dish.
• If you don't want a tender but garlicky surprise mouthful, remove and discard the garlic cloves (I leave them in, they're delicious!).
• Shake the dish to let the slices settle and then sprinkle the cheese on top.
• Bake until the top is deep golden brown, the cream has thickened and bubbled, and the potatoes are extremely tender when pierced with a knife, about 40 min.
• Don't worry if the dish looks too liquidy at this point; it will set up as it cools a bit.
• Before serving, let the potatoes cool until they're very warm but not hot (at least 15 min.) or serve them at room temperature.
• Note: This is also great for breakfast, barely re-warmed in the microwave.

5-MINUTE INDIVIDUAL POTATO GRATINS BY MELISSA D'ARABIAN

Steps:

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

WASABI POTATO SALAD

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan over high heat place potatoes covered with water.
• Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 12 minutes or until tender.
• Drain and spread potatoes on a cookie sheet. Cool to room temperature.
• While potatoes are cooling, whisk the wasabi paste and mayonnaise together in a large bowl until blended.
• Stir in potatoes, celery, bacon, onion, apple, mint, salt and pepper (to taste).
• Refrigerate until serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.