28 May 2025
Cook time 80 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter
4 leeks
5 potatoes
2 cups light sour cream
2 garlic cloves
1/3 cup tarragon (estragon)
Potato and leek gratin is a classic French dish that's both comforting and flavorful. This recipe combines tender potatoes, aromatic leeks, and a creamy sauce, all baked until golden and bubbly. It's perfect as a side dish or even a main course.
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a large baking dish with a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Leeks:
- Trim off the dark green parts of the leeks, keeping only the white and light green parts.
- Slice the leeks in half lengthwise, then rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or grit.
- Slice the leeks into thin rings.
3. Cook the Leeks:
- In a large skillet, melt the 1/3 cup (70g) of butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced leeks and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the leeks are soft and translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly, about 1/8 inch (3mm) thick, using a knife or mandoline.
5. Assemble the Gratin:
- In the greased baking dish, arrange a layer of potato slices, slightly overlapping.
- Spread a portion of the cooked leeks evenly over the potato layer.
- Spoon a portion of the light sour cream over the leeks, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle a portion of the chopped tarragon over the sour cream.
- Repeat the layers (potatoes, leeks, sour cream, tarragon) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
6. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Place the gratin in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
7. Serve:
- Remove from oven and let the gratin sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Cut into portions and serve warm.
Tips:
- Use a mandoline to slice the potatoes evenly and thinly, ensuring even cooking.
- Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly as they tend to hold a lot of dirt between their layers.
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the garlic in the butter before adding the leeks.
- If you prefer a richer dish, you can substitute the light sour cream with heavy cream or a mix of cream and sour cream.
- Top the gratin with a layer of grated cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan, for an extra golden and crusty top.
- Let the gratin rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set before serving.
By following these steps, you’ll have a deliciously creamy and flavorful potato and leek gratin that's sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it hot and enjoy the meld of tastes and textures in every bite.