Sunchoke Gratin
Notes: Sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes (although they have no relation to the common artichoke), are available in most supermarkets. For special flavor, use imported Italian Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
In a 1- to 1 1/2-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 cups cream and thyme to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Step 2
2
Peel sunchokes and potatoes, immersing in a bowl of water as peeled to prevent discoloration. If potatoes are wider than 1 1/2 inches, cut lengthwise into halves or quarters so they are closer to the width of sunchokes. Using a mandoline, food processor, or sharp knife, cut vegetables crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Immerse slices in water.
Step 3
3
Drain vegetables well. In a large bowl, mix vegetables with 1/3 cup of the cheese. Scrape into a lightly buttered shallow 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish and spread level. Pour cream mixture over vegetables. Cover dish tightly with foil.
Step 4
4
Bake in a 400º regular or convection oven until vegetables are very tender when pierced, 60 to 70 minutes. Remove foil. Spoon some of the cream in dish over vegetables; if there is very little liquid left in dish, drizzle an additional 1/4 cup cream over the top. Continue baking, uncovered, until vegetables are browned, 20 to 25 minutes longer.
Step 5
5
Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over vegetables. Bake until cheese begins to brown, about 5 minutes longer. Garnish with thyme sprigs. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
Ingredients
About 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme leaves or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
About 1/2 teaspoon salt
About 1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 1/2 pounds sunchokes (see notes)
1 pound Yukon Gold potatoes
2/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (about 2 oz.; see notes)
Fresh thyme sprigs, rinsed, or chopped parsley
Directions
Step 1
1
In a 1- to 1 1/2-quart pan over high heat, bring 1 1/2 cups cream and thyme to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Step 2
2
Peel sunchokes and potatoes, immersing in a bowl of water as peeled to prevent discoloration. If potatoes are wider than 1 1/2 inches, cut lengthwise into halves or quarters so they are closer to the width of sunchokes. Using a mandoline, food processor, or sharp knife, cut vegetables crosswise into 1/8-inch-thick slices. Immerse slices in water.
Step 3
3
Drain vegetables well. In a large bowl, mix vegetables with 1/3 cup of the cheese. Scrape into a lightly buttered shallow 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish and spread level. Pour cream mixture over vegetables. Cover dish tightly with foil.
Step 4
4
Bake in a 400º regular or convection oven until vegetables are very tender when pierced, 60 to 70 minutes. Remove foil. Spoon some of the cream in dish over vegetables; if there is very little liquid left in dish, drizzle an additional 1/4 cup cream over the top. Continue baking, uncovered, until vegetables are browned, 20 to 25 minutes longer.
Step 5
5
Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over vegetables. Bake until cheese begins to brown, about 5 minutes longer. Garnish with thyme sprigs. Season to taste with more salt and pepper.
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