Creamy Potato Bake

This delightful creamy potato bake is a comforting and savory dish that can easily become a family favorite. Featuring thinly sliced potatoes enveloped in a luscious white sauce, this dish blends the earthiness of potatoes with the savory richness of a homemade béchamel. The preparation involves layering the potatoes with onions and a beautifully spiced sauce, capturing a perfect balance of flavors. The béchamel sauce, infused with Italian herbs, adds depth while keeping the blend moist and tender. Baking to golden perfection, this dish is a harmony of creamy textures and savory essence. Ideal for a comforting dinner or a special occasion, this potato bake can be a star of the table. Its inviting aroma and delectable flavor promise to warm your heart. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is surprisingly simple yet yields a satisfying culinary delight. Enjoy this creamy indulgence as a standalone meal or pair it with your favorite main course or salad.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2.5 kg potatoes (preferably from Latvia)
• 2 onions

For the Béchamel Sauce

• 80 g butter
• 30 ml olive oil
• 1 tbsp Italian spice blend
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 600 ml warm milk (at least 80 degrees Celsius, 3.5% fat)

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 100 minutes (includes prep and cooking)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and slice the potatoes into the thinnest rounds possible. The thinness of the slices will ensure even cooking.
2. Begin the Béchamel Sauce: Warm the milk in a separate saucepan, keeping it warm but not boiling.
3. Create the Base of the Sauce: In another pot, melt the butter and olive oil together. Add the Italian spice blend and salt to the melted fats, stirring well.
4. Incorporate the Flour: Slowly introduce the flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Be careful not to let it brown.
5. Add Warm Milk: Gradually whisk in the hot milk, ensuring a smooth consistency without lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens to a sauce.
6. Combine Ingredients: Add the sliced potatoes and onions to the béchamel sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly, letting it simmer for about 2 minutes.
7. Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 160-170 degrees Celsius. Layer the potato slices in a baking dish of your choice. Remember, more layers will necessitate longer baking times.
8. Seal with Parchment: Cut a sheet of parchment paper to fit the top of your baking dish and place it over the potatoes.
9. Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 1 hour, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden. The exact time depends on the shape and depth of your dish.
10. Cool and Set: Once baked, let the dish rest to cool. To enhance the texture, place a weight on top; this aids in adhering the layers together and creates a compact, sliceable bake.

Tips

• For Richer Flavor: Use half cream and half milk for the béchamel.
• Cheesy Twist: Add grated cheese between the layers for a cheesy bake.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated as needed.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 270 kcal per serving
• Proteins: 6g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 28g

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with cornstarch.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and milk with unsweetened almond milk.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a green salad for a complete meal.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Best Places

1. Le Grand Véfour - Offers classic French cuisine with a unique twist on potato dishes. Location: 17 Rue de Beaujolais, Paris, France.
2. Otto e Mezzo Bombana - Famed for its delightful Italian creations in Hong Kong. Location: Shop 202, Landmark Alexandra, 18 Chater Rd, Central, Hong Kong.
3. Quay Restaurant - Renowned for its innovative menu with a stunning view of Sydney Harbour. Location: Upper Deck, Overseas Passenger Terminal, The Rocks NSW, Australia.
4. Narisawa - A blend of Japanese and French techniques with a focus on sustainability. Location: Minami Aoyama, Minato, Tokyo, Japan.
5. Eleven Madison Park - Offers a seasonal, plant-based tasting menu. Location: 11 Madison Ave, New York, NY, USA.
6. The Ledbury - Known for its modern European dishes in London. Location: 127 Ledbury Rd, Notting Hill, London, UK.
7. Central - Celebrates Peruvian diversity through inventive dishes. Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Lima, Peru.
8. The Test Kitchen - Offers a dynamic menu with innovative dishes in Cape Town. Location: The Old Biscuit Mill, 375 Albert Rd, Woodstock, Cape Town, South Africa.
9. Mirazur - Offers Mediterranean-inspired dishes with exceptional views. Location: 30 avenue Aristide Briand, Menton, France.
10. Restaurant Tim Raue - Combines Asian influences with local ingredients. Location: Rudi-Dutschke-Straße 26, Berlin, Germany.