Description
Boulangère potatoes are a classic French dish where thinly sliced potatoes and onions are layered in a dish, seasoned, and baked in stock until tender and golden. Unlike gratins, this dish uses stock instead of cream, resulting in a lighter yet deeply flavorful side.
Ingredients
- Potatoes (1kg): Waxy or all-purpose potatoes like Yukon Gold or Maris Piper.
- Onions (2 medium): Thinly sliced.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds subtle flavor.
- Vegetable or chicken stock (500ml): Provides the cooking liquid.
- Butter (50g): For greasing and flavor.
- Fresh thyme (1 teaspoon): For aromatic seasoning.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
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- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, 350°F).
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- Peel the potatoes and onions, then slice them thinly (around 2–3mm thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife.
Step 2: Grease the dish
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- Grease an ovenproof baking dish with a generous amount of butter, ensuring the base and sides are well coated.
Step 3: Layer the potatoes and onions
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- Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping each slice.
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- Add a layer of onions on top, then sprinkle with minced garlic, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper.
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- Repeat the layers until all the potatoes and onions are used, finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
Step 4: Add the stock
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- Warm the vegetable or chicken stock in a saucepan (optional). Pour the stock over the layered potatoes and onions until it reaches just below the top layer.
Step 5: Bake the dish
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- Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
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- Remove the foil, dot the top layer with butter, and return to the oven for another 30–40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crispy.
Step 6: Serve
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- Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Pair with roasted meats, fish, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.