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Potato, Leek, and Mushroom Gratin





Yields
Makes 10 to 12 servings

Notes: Using a mandoline to slice the potatoes makes a quick job of it. You can make this gratin up to 1 day ahead; bake it covered, let it cool, then chill. The next day, let gratin stand at room temperature for about 1 hour, then bake, uncovered, in a 350° oven until hot in the center, about 1 hour. If it starts to get too brown, cover loosely with foil. Prep and Cook Time: about 2 1/2 hours.

 1/4 cup (1/8 lb.) butter
 1 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, rinsed, stems removed, and sliced
 1 tablespoon minced garlic
 4 leeks (3 1/2 lb. total)
 1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves
 3 3/4 pounds russet potatoes
 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
 1 3/4 cups whipping cream
 1/4 cup dry white wine
 1 teaspoon salt
 1/2 teaspoon pepper
 3 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (12 oz.)
Step 1
1

In a 12-inch frying pan or 5- to 6-quart pan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Add mushrooms and stir often until almost tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add garlic and stir until mushrooms are golden and tender to bite, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Transfer to a bowl.

Step 2
2

Trim and discard root ends and tough green tops from leeks. Cut stalks in half lengthwise and rinse well under running water, flipping layers to release dirt. Cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices; you should have about 4 cups.

Step 3
3

In the frying pan (no need to wash), over medium-high heat, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add leeks and thyme and stir often until leeks are limp and beginning to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir into mushrooms.

Step 4
4

Preheat oven to 350°. Peel and slice potatoes crosswise as thinly as possible (see notes). In a bowl, whisk together broth, cream, wine, salt, and pepper. In a buttered 9- by 13-inch baking dish (3-qt. capacity), evenly layer a third of the potatoes, half of the mushroom-leek mixture, and 1 cup cheese. Stir broth-cream mixture and pour a third evenly over the top. Repeat. Layer remaining potatoes, cheese, then cream mixture on top. Set dish in a 10- by 15-inch baking pan.

Step 5
5

Bake until potatoes are tender when pierced and sauce is bubbly, 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 hours. After about 40 minutes, check browning; if top begins to get dark before potatoes are tender, cover loosely with foil. Let stand about 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 0


Amount Per Serving
Calories 408Calories from Fat 55
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%

Saturated Fat 15g75%
Cholesterol 82mg28%
Sodium 379mg16%
Total Carbohydrate 35g12%

Dietary Fiber 2.8g12%
Protein 14g29%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.