Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 Cotechino Modena sausage (about 1 pound)
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mandoline slicer (optional)
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the Cotechino Modena sausage. Cook for 1 hour, then remove from the pot and let cool.
3. Once cooled, remove the casing from the sausage and slice it into thin rounds.
4. In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
5. In the baking dish, layer the sliced potatoes and Cotechino Modena rounds.
6. Pour the cream mixture over the potatoes and sausage, making sure to cover everything evenly.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
9. Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 540
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Protein: 21g
Sodium: 980mg
Sugar: 3g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of sausage in place of Cotechino Modena.
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.
- You can use any type of cheese in place of Parmesan.
Variations:
- Add sliced onions or leeks to the layers for extra flavor.
- Use sweet potatoes or butternut squash instead of regular potatoes.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to the cream mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a mandoline slicer to get even slices of potatoes.
- Make sure to cover the dish with foil for the first 45 minutes of baking to prevent the top from burning.
- Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cream to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the gratin in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the gratin in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary
- Paprika
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Green beans with almonds
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the top of the gratin is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking until the potatoes are tender.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sausage to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
- Cotechino Modena is a traditional Italian sausage from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, savory, and slightly spicy from the sausage.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the gratin as a main dish for a cozy winter dinner.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Rich, Creamy, Comforting, Herby