Potatoes for special occasions

1h 30m
Serves 4
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Directions

  1. 1Start with the onions.
  2. 2Slice the onions.
  3. 3Dice the smoked pancetta.
  4. 4Add pancetta to a pan.
  5. 5Add the onions to the pan.
  6. 6Add some butter.
  7. 7Add fresh herbs.
  8. 8Stir the ingredients.
  9. 9Add white wine.
  10. 10Peel the potatoes.
  11. 11Slice the potatoes thinly using a mandoline.
  12. 12Use a round cutter to trim the potato slices.
  13. 13Slice the soft cheese.
  14. 14Grease the pan with butter.
  15. 15Arrange the potato slices in the pan in a spiral pattern.
  16. 16Season with salt and black pepper.
  17. 17Add a layer of the onion-pancetta mixture.
  18. 18Drizzle with heavy cream.
  19. 19Grate Parmesan cheese over the mixture.
  20. 20Add pieces of soft cheese.
  21. 21Repeat the layers of potatoes, seasoning, onion-pancetta mixture, cream, and cheese.
  22. 22Brush the top layer of potatoes with melted butter and sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
  23. 23Cover the pan with parchment paper and then foil.
  24. 24Bake for the first time.
  25. 25Remove the covers after baking.
  26. 26Re-bake it for a nice crust.

Ingredients

  • 4.4 lbs potatoes
  • 2 large sweet onions
  • 7 oz smoked pancetta
  • 0.25 cup dry white wine
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • to taste Mixed herbs (sage, thyme, rosemary)
  • as needed Butter
  • as desired Soft cheese (e.g., Fontina, Gruyère, or similar)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste black pepper

Equipment

knifechopping boardpanmandolineround cuttergraterparchment paperfoiloven

Tips

  • The onions are optional, but they will add a lot of flavor.
  • Let the gratin rest for 10–20 minutes before serving.