Monday, April 20, 2009

Mashed Potato Gratin with Carmelized Onions


Last night was the second gathering of our new Supper Club and it was quite a turnout. I don’t know about all of you but I had a blast! Ian and I wanted to pick something simple that everyone would like, so we went with the same menu as his Birthday dinner... RIBS! On Saturday I went to the Maitre Boucher and picked up 10 POUNDS of ribs, then proceeded to cook them all in my tiny oven.

Even though ribs were the star of the show, many people couldn’t get enough of the supporting actor, the mashed potato gratin with caramelized onions. Basically this dish is made from Ian’s delicious mashed potatoes with a generous layer of caramelized onions in the middle and topped with grated 2 year old port soaked cheddar.

This mashed potato recipe has been a winner since the first time I made it, and whenever my mom or I have to bring a side dish to a party, we make this. Plus it is so easy and can be made well in advance. For years people have been asking for the recipe so here it is guys, use it wisely! Usually I make them with grated Asiago on top instead of the cheddar which gives a great punch but some people don’t like strong cheese so old cheddar is a great alternative.

Ian and I just wanted to thank all of you for a great night, and especially Kelly who made a killer beer and caraway seed bread and her little darling two year old Mason, who tuckered himself out making butter from whipping cream for the bread. Also, big thanks to Alex who brought a super decadent flourless chocolate cake and perfect apple pie. We couldn’t have done it without you guys!

Mashed Potato Gratin with Caramelized Onions
adapted from a really old LCBO magazine
this is my half recipe that serves 4-5 people


1 tbsp olive oil
3 cups sliced sweet onions
Salt and pepper
1 tbsp sherry vinegar
2/3 cup chicken or beef stock
Freshly ground pepper
1-1/2 lbs yellow fleshed potatoes, peeled and cut in even-sized chunks
10% cream or a couple spoonfuls of sour cream
2 tbsp butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper
½ cup grated Asiago or 2 year old cheddar cheese

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and salt and sauté until onions start to soften. Add half a cup of water and continue to cook until the water has evaporated. Add a second half cup of water and repeat, stirring occasionally, until onions turn golden brown. Stir in vinegar and stock. Raise heat to high and reduce until stock almost completely disappears. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper and reserve.
While onions are cooking, place potatoes in boiling water to cover and bring to boil until potatoes are tender. Drain well and mash potatoes with a potato masher while beating in enough cream to make a smooth mashed potato, and the butter. Season well with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 350.In a large gratin dish layer a half of potatoes and the onions. Layer on the rest of the potatoes and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until top is browned and potatoes are hot.

8 comments:

Simones Kitchen said...

That looks amazing guys! It seems like you had a lot of fun. I will be away for a couple of days to Italy so if all is quiet from my end, you know where I went to! I'll be back on sundaynight...:)

Chocolate Shavings said...

That sounds like a night of great food.. and it makes me want ribs so badly although the gratin sounds amazing too!

I shop at the Atwater market as much as I can. I think I might make a stop there this weekend actually! Do you guys live by the market?

I'm waiting for the weather to be a tiny bit warmer to make my way to Jean Talon and sample all the great fruits/veggies.

MissBliss said...

YUM! This sounds great! port soaked cheddar... good call.

Coco Bean said...

miss bliss, yeah, the guy that sells cheese down the street from me has been making it and it's sooo good, expensive, but good!

Ian said...

Hi Chocolate Shavings, Christie and I are actually pretty close to the Atwater market, it really is one of my favorite places to go in Montreal. If it is as nice out as it is "supposed" to be, Atwater market would be an amazing idea for a weekend afternoon

@ Junglefrog, Italy... geez.. im jealous. I cant wait to see all the pictures :D

Hilary said...

This looks fantastic. I'm obsessed with potato gratins and scalloped potatoes these days but I've never seen a version that mashes them.

I love those old LCBO mags for recipes!

Coco Bean said...

Hilary: Oh the good old LCBO mags eh! I love them, but did you know that you can get all the recipes online at the LCBO website...

creampuff said...

You know I pick up those magazines religiously and never try anything from them! You've inspired me ... this is GORGEOUS!