Winter Squash and Potato Gratin

This savory casserole is an almost classic gratin dauphinois (potatoes au gratin), with squash standing in for half of the potatoes and low-fat milk substituting for cream. It is a very comforting dish that can be baked ahead and reheated.

Ingredients

• 1 large garlic clove, cut in half
• 1 ¼ pounds russet potatoes or Yukon golds (or add purple potatoes to the mix), scrubbed, peeled if desired and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
• 1 ¼ pounds winter squash, such as butternut, peeled and sliced about 1/4 inch thick
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 cup, tightly packed, grated Gruyère cheese (4 ounces)
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2-1/2 cups low-fat milk

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (6 servings)

    229 calories; 7 grams fat; 4 grams saturated fat; 2 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 30 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 8 grams sugars; 12 grams protein; 25 milligrams cholesterol; 287 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
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Serves 6

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Rub the inside of a 2-quart gratin dish or baking dish with the cut side of the garlic, and lightly oil with olive oil or butter. Slice any garlic that remains and toss with the potatoes, squash, thyme, rosemary, half the cheese and a generous amount of salt and pepper. Arrange in an even layer in the gratin dish.
2. Pour the milk over the potatoes and squash, and press the vegetables down into the milk. Place in the oven, and bake one hour. Every 20 minutes, remove the gratin dish and press the potatoes and squash down into the liquid with the back of a large spoon. After one hour, sprinkle on the remaining cheese and bake for another 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the sides crusty. Remove from the oven, and allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve hot or warm.

• Advance preparation: You can make this a few hours ahead and reheat in a medium oven. Martha Rose Shulman can be reached at martha-rose-shulman.com.

2 hours