Gratinated French Potatoes

French Gratin Potatoes with Sofia Cheese

Who can resist a platter of golden, creamy gratin potatoes that emanate delicious aromas from the oven? Today, I will reveal the secrets of a classic recipe for French gratin potatoes using Sofia cheese from Delaco, which will add an extra touch of flavor and finesse to your dish. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests at a party. Let’s get to work!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 60 minutes
Total time: 80 minutes
Servings: 6

Your basic ingredients:

- 1 kg potatoes (preferably boiling or mashing type)
- 250 g Sofia cheese from Delaco (an excellent choice due to its texture and taste)
- 2 eggs
- 100 g sour cream (for added creaminess)
- Salt and pepper, to taste

A bit of history:

Gratin potatoes have a rich history, being a traditional dish in many cultures. It gained popularity due to its versatility, being able to be consumed as a side dish or as a main course. Even the name "gratin" comes from the French word referring to a cooking technique where ingredients are covered with a layer of cheese or breadcrumbs and then baked until golden and crispy. In our version, Sofia cheese brings a deep and aromatic flavor that will delight your taste buds.

Preparing the French gratin potatoes:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Start by washing and peeling the potatoes. It is important to use fresh, quality potatoes. You can choose potatoes that have a firm texture, so they don’t disintegrate during cooking.

2. Boil the potatoes: Slice the potatoes thinly, about 3-4 mm. This will allow for even and quick cooking. Boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes, until they become slightly soft but not fully cooked. Then, drain them and let them cool slightly.

3. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, beat the eggs with the sour cream and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition. This mixture will help bind the potatoes and achieve a creamy result.

4. Prepare the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with a little oil or butter to prevent the potatoes from sticking. You can use a ceramic dish or a metal one, depending on your preference.

5. Assemble the dish: Place a layer of potatoes in the dish, followed by a layer of grated cheese. Repeat this process until you finish all the ingredients, making sure to leave some cheese to cover the last layer. Finally, pour the egg and sour cream mixture over the potatoes.

6. Bake the dish: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Bake the potatoes for 45-60 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy on top. Don’t forget to check occasionally to prevent burning.

7. Serving: Once the potatoes are ready, take them out of the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will help maintain their shape. Serve them warm, alongside a fresh salad or a yogurt sauce with herbs for a perfect combination.

Practical tips:

- Vary the ingredients: You can add other ingredients, such as caramelized onions, ham, or mushrooms to diversify the recipe. Each addition will bring a unique and surprising note.
- Types of cheese: If you don’t have Sofia cheese, you can use cheddar, mozzarella, or any other type of cheese that melts well.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: This recipe has about 350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamin C, while cheese adds protein and calcium to the diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I prepare the recipe in advance? Yes! You can assemble the potatoes and keep them in the refrigerator, covered, for a day. When you’re ready to cook them, add a few minutes to the baking time.

2. How can I make the potatoes crispier? If you want a crunchier crust, add a little breadcrumbs on top before putting them in the oven.

3. Can they be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze already cooked potatoes; instead, you can freeze the boiled potatoes to use later in this recipe.

Now that you know how to prepare these French gratin potatoes, don’t hesitate to try them! This simple yet delicious recipe will surely become a favorite in your family. Enjoy your meal!