Leek and Fennel Gratin

Emma Schafler • March 7, 2023

Leek and Fennel Gratin

Gratin is simply a term for a dish that has a browned crust, usually using breadcrumbs or cheese. This version has a crispy breadcrumb topping with a creamy, decadent filling that is truly amazing.

Both fennel and leek are rather underrated vegetables. They don't seem to end up on the dinner table as frequently as say green beans or broccoli. This leek and fennel gratin will certainly increase your consumption of these two delicious vegetables. I am sure it will be a crowd favourite at your next dinner party, served alongside a perfectly medium rare ribeye, or seared beef tenderloin.


I love using appenzeller in this recipe. It has a nutty taste and is slightly stronger than gruyere. You can usually find appenzeller at any grocery store, but gruyere will work just as well if it is what you have on hand. If you have never cooked with leeks, you need to ensure that you clean them well. Often times there is lots of dirt between the layers of the vegetable.

I hope you enjoy this simple side dish as much as I do!

Serves: 4 - 6 people

Total Time: 40 minutes


INGREDIENTS:

One fennel bulb

3 small leeks

1 shallot, finely diced

2 green onions

½ cup water

2 tablespoons butter

1 cup of grated appenzeller or gruyere

1 cup heavy cream

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Pinch of salt and pepper

¼ cup breadcrumbs

Drizzle of olive oil





INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit

Remove the inner core and fronds from the fennel and slice the fennel into thin pieces. Set aside.

Remove the roots and green parts of the leek, leaving only the white and light green section. Cut the leeks in half lengthwise and run them under water, spreading the layers apart, to ensure all the dirt and soil is removed. Cut into 1 inch pieces and set aside. 

In an 8 inch oven safe skillet, on medium high heat, pour in half a cup of water and place the leeks in the water. Cover and let simmer for about 5 minutes. The water should completely evaporated.

To the same skillet, add in the butter, fennel, and finely diced shallot and sauteed for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are starting to become tender.

Reduce the heat to low, pour the cream, salt and pepper, ½ of the shredded cheese, nutmeg and finely sliced green onions into the skillet. Stir to combine

Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs, the remaining cheese and a drizzle of olive oil before removing from the heat and placing in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 - 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

Enjoy!




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