What makes ham with dauphinoise potatoes a good choice?
This recipe for Ham with Dauphinoise Potatoes is easy to prepare and tastes very rich. You can use leftovers from a roast ham or buy a cooked joint to save time. The creamy texture of the potatoes balances the saltiness of the meat perfectly. It is a simple one tray meal that feels like a special treat for the whole family.
Follow these simple steps for ham with dauphinoise potatoes
Prepare the potatoes: Peel the potatoes and slice them into very thin rounds. Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to remove excess starch. Drain them well and pat them dry with a clean tea towel. This ensures the sauce for the Ham with Dauphinoise Potatoes stays thick and creamy.
Make the cream sauce: Pour the cream and milk into a small saucepan over medium heat. Peel and crush the garlic cloves then add them to the liquid along with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer but do not let it boil over. This garlic cream will flavour every layer of the dish.
Layer the ingredients: Cut the cooked ham into small chunks or thick slices. Grease a large baking dish with a little butter or oil. Layer half of the potatoes in the bottom followed by the ham pieces. Top with the remaining potatoes and pour the warm cream mixture over everything.
Bake until golden: Sprinkle the grated cheese over the top of the dish. Place it in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for about one hour. The potatoes should be tender when pierced with a knife and the top should be golden brown. Let the Ham with Dauphinoise Potatoes rest for five minutes before serving.
Good advice for ham with dauphinoise potatoes
To make the potatoes cook evenly try to slice them as thinly as possible with a sharp knife. If the top of the dish starts to brown too quickly cover it loosely with foil for the remaining cooking time. Using a mix of cream and milk makes the dish rich without being too heavy. You can add a little nutmeg to the cream for extra depth of flavour. Always check that the potatoes in the centre are soft before taking the dish out of the oven. Letting the Ham with Dauphinoise Potatoes rest for a few minutes helps the sauce thicken up nicely before you serve it.
You may also like
pasta with minced beef and cream,
vegetable lasagne or
classic white bread.