Ham Potato Onion Gratin Julia Child Recipes

HAM AND POTATOES AU GRATIN RECIPE

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook for about 10 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
• When the onions are done, sprinkle flour over them and whisk to combine. Continue cooking the onion and flour mixture until the flour is golden brown, about two to three minutes.
• Slowly add the milk and continue whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce has thickened, which usually only takes a few minutes. Add salt and pepper, mix well and remove from the heat.
• Spray a medium-size casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter the dish. Add half of the sliced potatoes, then half of the cubed ham, and about half of both kinds of grated cheese.
• Pour on half of the sauce. Repeat the next layer with the remaining potatoes and ham, pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil or a cover and bake at 350 degrees F. for 40-60 minutes. How long it takes depends on the thickness of the potato slices.
• Remove the cover and test to see if your potatoes are done by piercing them with a fork. The fork should slide through easily. If not done, continue cooking for another 10 minutes or so. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, remove the cover and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

HAM AND POTATOES AU GRATIN

Steps:

• In a greased 1-qt. baking dish, combine potatoes, ham and onion; set aside. , In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Add cheese, salt and pepper; stir until the cheese is melted. Pour over potato mixture and stir gently to mix. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly. Garnish with parsley.

JULIA CHILD'S PROVENçAL POTATO GRATIN

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees and place a rack at the middle level. In a large saucepan, combine onions and 2 tablespoons olive oil and stir to coat over low heat. Sprinkle lightly with salt. At a gentle simmer, cook uncovered until onions are softened and lightly golden, 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often. Do not brown; lower the heat if necessary. When done, fold in tomatoes just until heated through. Set aside.
• In a small food processor or a mortar, add the anchovies - anywhere from 6 to 12 fillets, depending on their size and your taste. Add garlic, herbs and a dozen grinds of pepper. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use the oil from the anchovy can, if you like). Crush or pulse together into a chunky paste, thinning with oil as needed to make a loose, fluid mixture.
• In a medium-size baking dish, spread a quarter of the onion-tomato mixture. On top, arrange half the potato slices, then half the anchovy mixture. Add half the remaining onion-tomato mixture. Build one more layer with remaining potato slices, anchovy mixture and onion-tomato mixture. Sprinkle cheese on top and drizzle with olive oil.
• If the dish is very full, place on a baking sheet. Transfer to oven and bake, uncovered, until potatoes are tender and have absorbed all of the juices in the bottom of the dish, 40 to 50 minutes. Test by tasting a bit of potato; it should be soft all the way through, with no raw taste. If the top is browning too fast, cover very loosely with a sheet of foil. If the top is not brown enough when the potatoes are cooked, broil briefly until deliciously glazed.
• Serve gratin hot or warm. Can be cooled and reheated later the same day, but do not refrigerate.