Ina Garten’s Potato-Fennel Gratin

Ina Garten’s Potato-Fennel Gratin

As you will quickly see, this is not a “healthy” recipe and certainly not a recipe that I would make regularly. Rather it is a special occasion treat. And, a treat it is. I typically make this for Thanksgiving and Christmas and it is always a hit! Don’t be afraid by the fennel, either. The fennel is one of the best parts of the dish. As it cooks down with the onions, it develops a sweet and very mild flavor that really adds to the dish in a beautiful way. This is another recipe triumph by Ina Garten – one that has become a regular at our family holiday celebrations. Bon appetit!

Ina Garten's Potato-Fennel Gratin

December 25, 2017
: 10
: 30 min
: 1 hr 45 min
: 2 hr 15 min
: Medium

By:

Ingredients
  • 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 Small Fennel Bulbs
  • 1 Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter
  • 2 lbs. Russet Potatoes (4 large potatoes)
  • 2 c. plus 2 tablespoons Heavy Cream
  • 2 1/2 c. Grated Gruyère Cheese (1/2 pound)
  • 1 tsp. Kosher Salt
Directions
  • Step 1 Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Step 2 Butter the inside of a 10-by-15-by-2-inch (10-cup) baking dish.
  • Step 3 Remove the stalks from the fennel and cut the bulbs in half lengthwise. Remove the cores and thinly slice the bulbs crosswise, making approximately 4 cups of sliced fennel. Saute the fennel and onions in the olive oil and butter on medium-low heat for 15 minutes, until tender.
  • Step 4 Peel the potatoes, then thinly slice them by hand or with a mandoline. Mix the sliced potatoes in a large bowl with 2 cups of cream, 2 cups of Gruyère, salt, and pepper. Add the sauteed fennel and onion and mix well.
  • Step 5 Pour the potatoes into the baking dish. Press down to smooth the potatoes. Combine the remaining 2 tablespoons of cream and 1/2 cup of Gruyère and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 1 1/2 hours, until the potatoes are very tender and the top is browned and bubbly. Allow to set for 10 minutes and serve.


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