Why vegetable gratin is a good choice
This Vegetable Gratin is very versatile and can be adapted to suit your own taste. The combination of cream and cheese creates a rich sauce that brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables. It requires very little active preparation time as the oven does most of the work. This dish is perfect for sharing at family gatherings or as a hearty vegetarian main course.
How to get vegetable gratin ready
Prepare the vegetables: Peel the potatoes and carrots before slicing them into thin rounds. Break the cauliflower into small florets that are similar in size to ensure they cook evenly. Grease a large ovenproof dish with a little butter to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the sides.
Layer the ingredients: Place the sliced potatoes, carrots, and cauliflower into the greased dish. Mix them around slightly so the different types of vegetables are spread out. Finely chop or crush the garlic and set it aside for the next step.
Add the sauce: Pour the double cream into a small bowl and whisk in the garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the vegetables in the dish until they are mostly covered. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the vegetables.
Bake the dish: Put the dish into a preheated oven at 180C and bake for about 45 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and the cheese should be golden brown and bubbly. Let the gratin stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
My best tips for vegetable gratin
Try to slice your vegetables as thinly and evenly as possible so they soften at the same rate. You can add a little bit of nutmeg to the cream if you want a slightly warmer and deeper flavour. If you notice the cheese is browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with a piece of foil for the last half of the cooking time. Using a mix of different cheeses like red leicester or parmesan can also add more character to your vegetable gratin.
Leaving the dish to rest for five minutes after baking is a great way to ensure the cream thickens properly. You can easily swap cauliflower for broccoli or add some leeks for extra sweetness. Always check the potatoes with a fork to make sure they are completely soft before taking the dish out of the oven. This vegetable gratin can also be made in individual ramekins for a more formal presentation.
Find more ideas here:
crispy chicken legs,
gooseberry compote or
salmon with pointed cabbage salad.