Aubergine Potato Goats Cheese Gratin Recipes

AUBERGINE, POTATO & GOAT'S CHEESE GRATIN

Steps:

• Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Heat 11 /2 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan and cook the aubergines in batches, browning on both sides, then lower the heat and cook until they are soft. You will need to add more olive oil as you cook, but try not to add too much. (Roast the aubergines if you prefer - brush them with olive oil, place on baking sheets and cook for about 15 mins. I just like the texture better if they are fried for this.) Season them while they're cooking. As each batch is ready, remove from the pan and lay them on a double layer of kitchen paper.
• Heat another 1 tbsp of oil in the pan and add the onions. Cook over a medium heat until softening, about 10-12 mins, then add the garlic and cook for another few mins.
• Slice the potatoes very, very finely. It's best to do this on a mandolin if you have one - it takes more work (and a lot more time) to cut them with a knife.
• Brush the bottom of a gratin dish with olive oil, and arrange the vegetables in layers. Start with half the potatoes, then half the aubergine, onions and tomatoes. Sprinkle the thyme, lemon zest, goat's cheese, olives and seasoning, along with little drizzles of olive oil on the layers as you go. Add another layer of aubergine, onions and tomatoes, again adding the other ingredients as you go. Finish with the rest of the potatoes, arranging them neatly on top. Brush with olive oil and bake for 45 mins. The gratin should be soft, the potatoes tender and the top golden.

POTATO AND GOAT CHEESE GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Grease the bottom and sides of a 1 1/2-quart gratin dish with the butter.
• Make a layer of overlapping potato slices on the bottom of the dish and sprinkle with half of the garlic and 1/3 of the goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat with another layer of potatoes, the remaining garlic, another 1/3 of the cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Finish with a final layer of potatoes and the remaining cheese and season with salt and pepper. Pour the heavy cream over the top of the potatoes and, using your hands, press to condense the layers slightly. Make sure the potatoes are all covered with cream.
• Bake for 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbly and golden brown on top and the potatoes are cooked through. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.