Ultimate Potato Gratin
1 head savoy cabbage, cored, cleaned, and shredded
1 (2-inch) piece slab bacon, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the gratin
dish
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 bunch fresh chives, finely chopped to 1/4 cup
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds baking potatoes, unpeeled and thinly sliced (about
1/8-inch), see Cook's note*
2 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 cups grated Parmesan
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Finely shred the cabbage. Cut the
bacon into 1/2-inch chunks. Place a small skillet over medium-low
heat and fry the bacon, until crisp. Remove from pan with a slotted
spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside.
Add 1 tablespoon butter to bacon fat in frying pan. When it has
melted add 1/2 the garlic and give it a quick stir with a wooden
spoon to soften. Add the cabbage and coat it with the butter. Slowly
let it wilt. Add the bacon. Season with salt and freshly ground
black pepper. Remove from heat and add most of the chives, reserving
a little for the garnish. Generously butter the bottom and sides of
an ovenproof casserole dish.
In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, 1 1/2 cups of cream, 1 cup of
Parmesan, and the remaining garlic, Season with salt and freshly
ground black pepper. Using your hands, place a layer of potatoes in
the casserole dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan and repeat with 2 more
layers. Spoon the cabbage mixture on top and spread it out evenly
over the potatoes. Top it off with 2 more layers of potato and
Parmesan. Pour the remaining 1cup cream over the dish. Sprinkle with
the remaining Parmesan.
Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake
for 30 minutes until golden brown. Leave for 10 minutes before
serving. Garnish with fresh chives.
*Cook's Note: Slice the potatoes immediately before using so they
don't turn brown.
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