This potato and spinach gratin is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the earthiness of potatoes and spinach with the richness of heavy cream and cheddar cheese. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with sautéed onions, fresh spinach, and a creamy egg mixture, then baked until golden and bubbly. The herbes de Provence adds a fragrant touch, making this a perfect side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 600 g potatoes (about 1.3 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced (use a mandoline or sharp knife for consistent thickness)
- 4 large eggs
- 150 ml (about 2/3 cup) 30% heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dry garlic, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence, or to taste
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 250 g (about 9 ounces) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 150 g (about 1.5 cups) cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
Directions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and thinly slice the potatoes. For even cooking, aim for slices about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. If you have a mandoline slicer, it will make this task much easier and ensure uniform slices. Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water to prevent them from browning.
- Sauté the Onions: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Spinach: Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet with the onions. Cook until the spinach has wilted and released its moisture, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined. Season with salt, black pepper, dry garlic, and herbes de Provence. Whisk until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Assemble the Gratin: Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F). Drain the sliced potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Lightly grease a baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches). Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping them.
- Layer the Fillings: Spread half of the sautéed onion and spinach mixture evenly over the potato layer. Pour half of the egg mixture over the spinach. Sprinkle half of the grated cheddar cheese over the egg layer.
- Repeat Layers: Arrange another layer of potato slices, followed by the remaining onion and spinach mixture, the rest of the egg mixture, and the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Gratin: Bake the gratin in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly. A knife inserted into the center should meet little resistance.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the egg mixture to set further and make it easier to slice.
Nutritional Facts:
(Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 350-450 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Sodium: 600-800mg
- Cholesterol: 150-180mg
The Origins and Popularity of Recipe:
Potato gratins, originating from France, are a classic example of rustic, comforting cuisine. The combination of potatoes, cream, and cheese has been a staple in European cooking for centuries. The addition of spinach adds a modern twist, reflecting a growing appreciation for vegetable-rich dishes. The popularity of gratins stems from their simplicity and versatility. They can be adapted to use various vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings, making them a favorite for family meals and gatherings. The creamy texture and rich flavors make them a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for cold weather. The ease of preparation and the ability to prepare them ahead of time also contribute to their enduring appeal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Creamy and Comforting: The combination of potatoes, cream, and cheese creates a rich and satisfying dish.
- Vegetable-Packed: The addition of spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily adapt the ingredients to your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This gratin is suitable for both casual family meals and elegant gatherings.
- Great for Leftovers: It reheats well, making it a convenient option for meal prepping.
Health Benefits of:
- Source of Vitamins and Minerals: Potatoes and spinach provide essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and iron.
- Protein from Eggs and Cheese: Eggs and cheese offer a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Calcium from Cheese: Cheese provides calcium, which is crucial for bone health.
- Fiber from Potatoes and Spinach: Potatoes and spinach contribute dietary fiber, which aids digestion.
Serving Suggestions of:
- Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork, or beef.
- Vegetarian Main Course: Pair with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete vegetarian meal.
- Brunch Dish: Include it as part of a brunch spread with other breakfast favorites.
Tips:
- Use a Mandoline: A mandoline slicer will ensure even potato slices, which will cook more evenly.
- Pat the Potatoes Dry: After soaking the potatoes, pat them dry with paper towels to prevent the gratin from becoming watery.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a baking dish that is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a knife into the center of the gratin to check if the potatoes are tender.
- Let it Rest: Allow the gratin to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the egg mixture to set.
Variations to Try:
- Add Other Vegetables: Include other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
- Add Herbs: Use other herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Garlic Lovers: add roasted garlic into the cream mixture.
Conclusion:
This potato and spinach gratin is a versatile and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and customizable nature, it is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the warm, savory flavors and satisfying textures of this delightful gratin.