Ingredients and Weight:
- 4 large potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 bulb of fennel, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded or diced
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream or milk
Preparation Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40-50 minutes
- Total: about an hour to an hour and a half
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced potatoes and fennel. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper to season.
- In a baking dish, spread half of the potato-fennel mixture in an even layer.
- Sprinkle with half of the Cheddar cheese and half of the fresh thyme leaves.
- Repeat the layers with remaining potatoes, fennel, cheese, and thyme.
- Drizzle the heavy cream or milk over the top layer.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-20 minutes, until the top is golden and the dish is bubbling.
- Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving - assuming 8 servings total)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving (depending on added fats and cream used)
- Fat: 18-22g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 12-15g
(Note: These are approximate values and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- A creamy, rich, and cheesy gratin with a sweet and slightly licorice-like flavor from the fennel.
- The combination of potatoes and Cheddar cheese creates a satisfyingly hearty dish.
- A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors.
User Comments:
- "This dish was amazing! The combination of flavors was unexpected but so good." - John Doe
- "The fennel gave the dish a unique flavor that I really enjoyed. Will make again." - Jane Smith
- "I followed the recipe to a T and it came out perfectly. Great dish for a special occasion." - Robert Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to use thinly sliced potatoes and fennel for even cooking and better texture.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Use good quality Cheddar cheese for best flavor and texture in the finished dish.
- The dish can be prepared ahead of time and kept warm in a low oven until ready to serve.
