My Onion, Leek and Pea Gratin pays homage to the onion root vegetable and the farmers who worked the rich Midwestern soil in days past. This is the perfect accompaniment with roast chicken, holiday ham, as well as beef or pork roast.
Ingredients
3 tablespoonsunsalted butter, extra for buttering the casserole dish
2 stripsbacon
3/4 cupPanko or Italian-style bread crumbs
1/2 cupParmesan cheese (grated)
1leek, diced fine
1 poundpearl onions (fresh or frozen), peeled; if using fresh, par boil for one minute in boiling water, then shock them in an ice bath to stop cooking; remove skins and drain well
1-1/2 cupsfrozen peas
1 cupchicken stock
1/2 cupheavy cream
1 tablespoonflour
Preparation
1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a two quart oven proof casserole dish, butter bottom and sides well.
2
Pan fry the bacon, remove from pan and drain. Retaining the drippings, add the diced leek and sauté until golden brown. Chop bacon and reserve.
3
In a mixing bowl, add the bread crumbs and grated cheese. Melt one tablespoon butter in a saucepan and add the onions, leeks, and peas. Pour in the cream and broth. Bring to a light boil and cook until the vegetables are fork tender.
4
Now blend the flour and remaining butter in a small bowl and mix it with the vegetables and broth. Cook for two minutes over medium heat.
5
Pour the vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the diced bacon. Top with the cheese-bread crumb mixture.
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