Cultural Cooking Series with Ariana Wilt: French

Dauphinoise Potatoes

This dish originated in France in 1788. Pommes dauphine is classic French comfort food. The name Dauphiné (“DO-fee-nay”) comes from the word dauphin (“DO-fan”), the French word for dolphin. Dauphinoise instructs us to rub the inside of the baking dish with a clove of garlic. Although the flavor of the garlic is meant to be subtle amidst the mild flavors of the potatoes, cream, and butter.

Ingredients:

500ml double cream
500ml milk
3 garlic cloves
8 large King Edward or Maris Piper potatoes
100g grated gruyère cheese (optional)

Directions:

STEP 1
Heat oven to 190C/170C fan/gas 5.

STEP 2
Tip 500ml double cream, 500ml milk and 3 garlic cloves into a large saucepan and bring to a simmer.

STEP 3
Slice 8 large potatoes very finely, about 3-4mm, add them to the cream and simmer for 3 mins until just cooked.

STEP 4
Gently stir to separate the potato and stop it sinking and catching on the bottom of the pan.

STEP 5
Remove the potatoes with a slotted spoon and place in a wide shallow ovenproof dish so that they are about 5cm in depth.

STEP 6
Pour over the garlic infused cream (discarding the garlic) – just enough to seep through the layers and leave a little moisture on the surface.

STEP 7
Scatter over 100g grated gruyère cheese, if using, then bake for 30 mins until the potatoes are soft and browned – increase the heat for 5 mins if not brown enough.