Southern Vegetable Gratin Recipes

ROOT VEGETABLE GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 13-by-10-by-2 1/2-inch baking dish.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large (12-inch) saute pan over medium heat, add the onion and fennel and cook for 10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned and tender. Add the garlic and cook for one minute.
• Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the onion mixture, sweet potatoes, celery root, Yukon Gold potatoes, cream, chicken stock, Gruyere, thyme, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press lightly so the vegetables lie flat all the way to the edge. Combine the bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of olive oil and distribute evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 1 1/2 hours, until the vegetables are very tender when tested with a small knife and the top is browned and bubbly. Allow to set for 15 minutes and serve hot.
• Make ahead: Bake in advance and reheat while the turkey rests, or assemble the dish, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake before serving.

ROOT VEGETABLE GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
• Combine the heavy whipping cream, chicken stock, butter, thyme, garlic and Parmesan rind in a small saucepot. Place over medium-low heat and cook just until simmering, 10 to 12 minutes. Turn off the heat and whisk in the flour. Strain the cream mixture through a colander into a container with a pour spout and discard the thyme stems, garlic and cheese rind.
• Spread the potato rounds in an even layer in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Pour a third of the cream mixture over the potatoes. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Next, shingle half the carrots and parsnips in alternating rows in an even layer. Pour a third of the cream mixture over the top, then sprinkle with salt, pepper and 1/2 cup cheese. Finally, shingle the remaining parsnips and carrots in alternating rows in an even layer. Use your hands to lightly press down on the vegetables to even out, if needed. Pour the remainder of the cream mixture over the top, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Reserve the remaining cheese (about 1 cup).
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake until the vegetables are fairly tender and the sauce is simmering, about 1 hour. Remove the foil and sprinkle the top of the gratin with the remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender, another 30 minutes.
• Cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.

SOUTHERN VEGETABLE GRATIN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter 8x8x2-inch glass baking dish. Boil turnips, brussels sprouts, lima beans and carrots in large pot of boiling salted water until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain well; place in large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons butter and sage and mix to coat. Mix in ham and 3/4 cup cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer vegetable mixture to prepared dish.
• Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and sauté until golden, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat. Mix in remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over vegetables. Cover with foil.
• Bake vegetable gratin until heated through, about 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until topping browns, about 10 minutes longer.