Potato Gratin

Potato gratin – a classic, comforting, and delicious dish, perfect to accompany any meal or to be enjoyed as a main course. This simple potato gratin recipe is sure to become one of your favorites, thanks to its creamy texture and intense flavors. Plus, it's an excellent choice for a quick dessert or a relaxing dinner; let's see how it's made!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 kg of potatoes (choose starchy potatoes for a better texture)
- 200 ml of cooking cream
- 200 ml of milk
- 150 g of cheese (cheddar, emmental, or cottage cheese, according to preference)
- 2 cloves of garlic (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or butter for greasing the baking dish
- 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step by step:

1. Preparing the potatoes: Start by peeling the potatoes and slicing them thinly, about 3-4 mm thick. This will allow the potatoes to cook evenly. You can use a knife or a special vegetable slicer.

2. Boiling the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Boil the potatoes for 5-7 minutes until they are slightly soft but not fully cooked. This step is essential to prevent the gratin from becoming too mushy.

3. Preparing the sauce: In a bowl, mix the cream and milk. Add salt, pepper, and, if desired, crushed garlic for a more intense flavor. This sauce will bind all the ingredients together and provide a creamy taste.

4. Assembling the gratin: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking dish with olive oil or butter. Place a layer of potato slices at the bottom of the dish. Pour some of the cream sauce over and sprinkle grated cheese. Repeat the process, forming alternating layers of potatoes and sauce until you finish the ingredients. Finish with a layer of sauce and cheese for a delicious crust.

5. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 30 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and let the gratin bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and the crust is crispy.

6. Serving: Once the gratin is ready, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes portioning easier. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for an attractive appearance.

Useful tips:
- You can add vegetables like onion or zucchini between the layers of potatoes to enhance their flavor and texture.
- If you want a healthier version, you can substitute the cream with Greek yogurt or plant-based milk.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to achieve diverse flavors; blue cheese adds a touch of sophistication.

This potato gratin is perfect as a side dish for roasts or fish, but it can also be enjoyed on its own, alongside a fresh salad. I encourage you to try this simple recipe and adapt it to your tastes. It will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!