Introduction
Looking for a dish that’s easier and tastier than pizza? Look no further! This potato gratin recipe is a perfect blend of simplicity, affordability, and deliciousness. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a mouth-watering meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this culinary delight that’s bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 potatoes
- 1 peeled and grated carrot
- 1 sliced tomato
- 5-6 fresh spring onions, sliced
- 1 chopped onion
- 80 grams whole-wheat flour (2/3 cup)
- 3 eggs
- 200 milliliters milk (3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons)
- 150 grams grated mozzarella cheese (5.3 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped parsley, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation Steps
1. Preparing the Potatoes
Begin by peeling the potatoes and grating them into a large bowl. Once grated, cover them with water and set them aside. This step helps to remove excess starch from the potatoes, making them less sticky and more suitable for baking.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables
In a non-stick pan, drizzle some olive oil and add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it turns golden brown. Next, add the grated carrot to the pan. Mix well and let the carrot soften for a few minutes. The combination of onions and carrots will add a sweet, savory base to the dish.
3. Draining and Mixing the Potatoes
Drain the grated potatoes thoroughly and place them in a clean bowl. Add the sautéed onion and carrot mixture to the potatoes. Mix everything well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Preparing the Batter
In a separate bowl, break the eggs and beat them using a hand whisk until they are well combined. Add the milk and mix thoroughly. Gradually incorporate the whole-wheat flour into the egg and milk mixture, mixing continuously to avoid lumps. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to the batter, and mix until you achieve a smooth consistency.
5. Combining Ingredients
Pour the batter over the potato and vegetable mixture. Add the sliced spring onions and chopped parsley. Mix everything well to ensure all ingredients are coated with the batter. This step is crucial for binding the ingredients together during baking.
6. Baking the Dish
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a round springform pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Transfer the potato mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing it to set and develop a crispy crust.
7. Adding the Toppings
After 30 minutes of baking, remove the dish from the oven. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top and sprinkle with grated mozzarella cheese. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes. The cheese will melt and turn golden, adding a deliciously gooey finish to the gratin.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming the dish serves six):
- Calories: 270 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Dietary Fiber: 4 g
- Sugars: 3 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
- Sodium: 250 mg
Serving Suggestions
This potato gratin is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light meal or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a more substantial dinner. The combination of creamy potatoes, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables makes this dish a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.