## Wholesome & Comforting Winter Root Vegetable Gratin
As the frost truly starts to bite and winter stretches out before us, comfort food becomes a must on the menu. This Winter Root Vegetable Gratin recipe is the perfect culprit for those chilly evenings. Providing a wholesome, heartening meal that showcases the finest flavors of winter root vegetables, all topped off with a creamy, cheesy sauce that satisfies every taste-bud.
## Why Make Winter Root Vegetable Gratin?
This dish is more than just a filling plate of traditional comfort food. It’s a delightful merging of earthy root vegetables, sweet roasted garlic, creamy, savory cheese and a hint of fresh thyme. It’s a harmonious blend of flavors that simplifies cooking without compromising taste. It’s also easy to prepare, requires mostly entry-level kitchen skills, and the ingredients are readily available at your local store.
## How to Make Winter Root Vegetable Gratin
Creating this masterpiece of comfort food involves a mix of slicing, assembling, and baking. Wonderfully simple, but with extraordinarily fulfilling results.
### Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
– 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced
– 2 parsnips, thinly sliced
– 1 large turnip, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
### Directions:
1. Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F.
2. Thinly slice your vegetables and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. In your baking dish, layer the tossed vegetables evenly.
4. Add minced garlic, then pour the heavy cream over the vegetables.
5. Next, gently spread the grated cheese and sprinkle the Parmesan and fresh thyme leaves on top.
6. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until golden brown.
7. Allow the gratin to cool before serving for best texture and flavor.
## How to Serve Winter Root Vegetable Gratin
This side dish is warming, filling and works perfectly as an accompaniment to a festive roast or a simple Sunday joint. For a touch of green, serve it alongside your favorite winter greens.
## How to Store Winter Root Vegetable Gratin
This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
## Tips to Make Winter Root Vegetable Gratin
Ensure the vegetables are thinly sliced to guarantee they cook evenly. A good sharp knife or mandolin slicer will do the trick. Also, mix up the cheeses for a different flavor profile – some mature cheddar, Parmesan, even blue cheese for an extra kick!
## Winter Root Vegetable Gratin Variations
You can add sweet potatoes or butternut squash for a slightly sweeter variation of the recipe. Also, consider using herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different taste.
## FAQs
**1. Can I use different vegetables?**
Absolutely! Root vegetables like celery root, rutabaga or beetroot can be added for a unique twist.
**2. Can I use a different type of cheese?**
Yes, this recipe is versatile and could also be paired with mozzarella, fontina or even a vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
**3. My gratin came out soggy. What went wrong?**
This can often be due to the vegetables releasing liquid as they cook. Try to slice them more finely next time.
Ensuring your Winter Root Vegetable Gratin is a delight is all about love, patience, and the freshest ingredients. Happy cooking!