Oven-baked gratin potatoes

Oven Gratin Potatoes: A Warm Delight for Everyone

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Gratin potatoes are a beloved dish, perfect for family meals, cozy evenings, or when you want to impress guests with something simple yet delicious. This recipe, with a creamy mix of cheese, eggs, and garlic, will remind you of warm moments spent around the table, where every bite is an explosion of flavors.

Necessary Ingredients:
- 8-10 medium potatoes (about 1.5 kg)
- 6 eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 200 g grated cheese (preferred type: mozzarella or cheddar)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 300 ml sweet milk
- 1 head of garlic (3-4 cloves if you prefer a milder taste)

A Bit of History:
Gratin potatoes have a fascinating history, evolving over time into various forms and combinations. From the simple boiling of potatoes to sophisticated oven dishes, gratin has become a favored method due to the crispy texture and intense flavors developed by the ingredients. It is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted according to available ingredients and personal preferences.

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Preparing the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes well under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Then, boil them in salted water, keeping the skin intact. Boil until they are almost fully cooked (90% cooked), about 15-20 minutes. Check with a fork; if it goes in easily, they are done.

2. Cooling and Slicing:
After boiling, drain the water and let them cool. This step is essential for easy slicing. Once cooled, cut them into slices about 5 mm thick.

3. Preparing the Cream Mixture:
In a large bowl, crack the 6 eggs and whisk them until frothy. Add salt, pepper, oregano, grated cheese, sour cream, sweet milk, and crushed garlic. Mix well until homogeneous. The garlic will add a special flavor, but if you prefer a milder taste, you can reduce the amount.

4. Assembling:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Prepare a baking dish or tart pan by greasing it with a little lard or butter to prevent sticking. Layer a layer of potato slices on the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of the egg mixture. Continue with another layer of potatoes, then add the mixture again. Finish with a final layer of potatoes and, for an appealing look, sprinkle grated cheese on top.

5. Baking:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen is simply irresistible.

6. Serving:
Once the gratin potatoes are ready, let them cool for a few minutes. You can garnish them with chopped fresh parsley for an extra splash of color and freshness. They pair wonderfully with roasted pork ribs and pickles, bringing a delicious contrast between the savory meats and the creaminess of the potatoes.

Tips and Useful Advice:
- If you want to add more flavor, you can experiment with different cheeses, such as feta or parmesan.
- For a vegetarian version, you can add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms between the layers of potatoes.
- Make sure not to overboil the potatoes, or they will crumble, and you won’t achieve that perfect texture.
- If you're concerned about calories, you can replace the sour cream with a lighter alternative or reduce the amount of cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- What can I use instead of cheese? You can use tofu or vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Can it be prepared in advance? Yes, you can assemble the gratin potatoes a day ahead and bake them an hour before serving.
- How can I reheat leftovers? Reheat them in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits:
This gratin potato recipe has about 350 calories per serving, depending on the type of cheese and sour cream used. Potatoes are an excellent source of carbohydrates and fiber, while cheese provides protein and calcium in the diet, making it a good choice for a balanced meal.

Enjoy this oven gratin potato recipe with your loved ones and savor every bite! Bon appétit!