Root Vegetable Gratin

Root Vegetable Gratin Recipe - Vegetarian French Dish

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Root Vegetable Gratin is a delicious and comforting dish that combines layers of parsnips, carrots, rutabagas, apples, and onions, all baked in a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a holiday gathering.

History

Root Vegetable Gratin has its origins in French cuisine, where gratin dishes are popular for their rich and creamy textures. The combination of root vegetables and cheese in a gratin dish dates back centuries, with variations found in different regions of France.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, cut into thin round slices and separated into rings
2 cups low-fat dairy milk, goat’s milk or oat milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheddar-style soy cheese
1 Granny Smith or golden delicious apple, peeled, cored, quartered and cut into thin slices
0.5 lb (227 g) parsnips (about 3 medium), peeled and thinly sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
0.5 lb (227 g) carrots (about 6 medium), peeled and thinly sliced
1 lb (454 g) turnips (about 4 medium) or rutabagas, peeled, thinly sliced

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Coat a 13- by 9- by 2-inch baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
Layer parsnips over the bottom of the dish.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of flour.
Layer carrots over the parsnips.
Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and the remaining tablespoon of flour.
Layer turnips over the carrots, then cover with apples and onion rings.
Sprinkle with salt.
Pour milk over the vegetables.
Cover with aluminum foil, sealing the edges well.
Bake until the vegetables are tender and completely cooked, about 1 hour.
Remove from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle with cheese.
Return to the oven and bake until the top is browned, about 30 minutes.
Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, for a different taste.
Add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the vegetables thinly and evenly to ensure even cooking.

- Layer the vegetables in the baking dish in a neat and organized manner for a visually appealing presentation.

- Use a mandoline slicer for quick and uniform slicing of the vegetables.

- Allow the gratin to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Root Vegetable Gratin can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken or pork, or as a main dish with a green salad on the side.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the vegetables in the baking dish ensures even cooking and a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use regular milk instead of low-fat milk.

- Use regular cheese instead of soy cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

Root Vegetable Gratin can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Root Vegetable Gratin in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Root Vegetable Gratin pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light red wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Root Vegetable Gratin can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Root Vegetable Gratin contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Root Vegetable Gratin contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Root Vegetable Gratin contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Root Vegetable Gratin contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Root Vegetable Gratin is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

Root Vegetable Gratin contains dairy (cheese) and soy as allergens.

Summary

Root Vegetable Gratin is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Root Vegetable Gratin is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of flavorful vegetables and creamy sauce, this gratin is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Root Vegetable Gratin. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. My grandmother, who was an excellent cook, had received the recipe from a dear friend who had learned it from her own grandmother. The dish was a comforting and hearty combination of root vegetables, cream, and cheese, baked until golden and bubbly. I knew from the first bite that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

I watched closely as my grandmother prepared the dish for the first time. She peeled and sliced an assortment of root vegetables - potatoes, turnips, parsnips, and sweet potatoes - into thin rounds. She then layered the vegetables in a baking dish, sprinkling each layer with a mixture of grated cheese, cream, and a pinch of nutmeg. The final touch was a generous sprinkling of breadcrumbs on top before it went into the oven to bake.

As the gratin baked, the kitchen filled with the warm and comforting aroma of cheese and cream. I eagerly waited for the dish to come out of the oven, my mouth watering in anticipation. When it was finally ready, I couldn't resist taking a small taste. The combination of creamy, cheesy vegetables was like nothing I had ever tasted before - it was love at first bite.

From that day on, I made the Root Vegetable Gratin whenever I had the chance. I experimented with different combinations of vegetables and cheeses, adding my own twist to the recipe. I shared it with friends and family, who all raved about how delicious and comforting it was. It became a dish that was synonymous with my cooking, a recipe that I was known for and that brought joy to those who tasted it.

Over the years, I continued to make the Root Vegetable Gratin, each time perfecting the recipe a little more. I learned to adjust the seasonings, the cooking time, and the ratio of vegetables to cheese and cream. I even passed the recipe down to my own children, who now make it for their own families.

One day, while visiting a farmer's market in a nearby town, I stumbled upon a unique variety of root vegetables that I had never seen before - purple potatoes, rainbow carrots, and watermelon radishes. Inspired by these colorful and unusual finds, I decided to create a new version of my beloved Root Vegetable Gratin.

I carefully sliced and arranged the vibrant vegetables in a baking dish, layering them with a creamy mixture of blue cheese, heavy cream, and a touch of honey. The result was a stunning and delicious dish that was as beautiful to look at as it was to eat. The sweetness of the honey paired perfectly with the sharp tang of the blue cheese, creating a flavor profile that was truly unique and unforgettable.

I shared this new version of the Root Vegetable Gratin with my friends and family, who were amazed by the bold flavors and stunning presentation. They begged me for the recipe, which I happily shared, knowing that it would bring joy and comfort to their own tables.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many years that I have spent perfecting and sharing the recipe for Root Vegetable Gratin, I can't help but feel grateful for the joy and memories that it has brought into my life. From that first bite in my grandmother's kitchen to the colorful and creative version that I created on my own, this dish has been a constant source of comfort and connection for me and my loved ones.

And so, I will continue to make the Root Vegetable Gratin, passing down the recipe and the tradition to future generations. Because food, after all, is not just nourishment for the body - it is nourishment for the soul, a way to connect with others and create lasting memories. And for me, the Root Vegetable Gratin will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy that can be found in a simple and delicious dish.