Julia Child’s Provençal Potato Gratin
Potatoes aren't usually associated with Provençal cooking, but every French region must have its gratin: sliced potatoes baked into a delicious mass that is the perfect side dish for roasts. The binder can be milk, broth, cream or, as in this case, the natural juices of vegetables like tomatoes and onions. With less liquid, this gratin is more foolproof than most. Anchovies give the dish a South of France funk, but you can leave them and the cheese out to make a vegan gratin.
- Total:
- Serves: 6 persons
Ingredients
- 2to 3 onions, thinly sliced (2 heaping cups)
- ¼cup extra-virgin olive oil, more for drizzling
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 ½pounds ripe tomatoes, seeded and cut into strips about 3/8-inch wide
- 3-ounce can anchovies packed in olive oil, drained (reserve anchovies and oil separately)
- 2large cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
- 1tablespoon fresh herbs, such as thyme, oregano or savory, or 1 teaspoon dried herbes de Provence
- About 2 pounds thin-skinned, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold, sliced 1/8-inch thick (6 to 7 cups)
- ½cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Gruyère
Instructions
Step 1
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.Step 2
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.Step 3
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.Step 4
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.Step 5
Serve gratin hot or warm. Can be cooled and reheated later the same day, but do not refrigerate.