Root Vegetable Gratin

Recipe created by Art Smith

From the December, 2002 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
Adapted from Back to the Table by Art Smith

Serves 8

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This gorgeous dish is a simple way to deliciously slip more veggies into any meal.

INGREDIENTS

2 3/4 pounds assorted root vegetables such as Yukon gold potatoes, turnips, sweet potatoes or rutabagas, peeled

Sauce:

	2 Tbsp. butter, plus more for pan
	2 Tbsp. flour
	1 cup whole milk, heated
	1 cup loosely packed grated white cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces before grating), plus 2 Tbsp. for garnish
	1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
	3/4 tsp. salt, plus more as needed
	1/2 tsp. freshly ground pepper, plus more as needed

Garnish:

	1 cup coarse fresh or packaged breadcrumbs
	2 Tbsp. butter, melted
	2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

Preheat oven to 350° with 2 racks centered. Cover and bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Slice each vegetable crosswise very thinly. Working in batches, transfer vegetables to boiling water to cook, just until softened but not falling apart, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetables to a colander, and place under cold running water. Shake colander well and transfer blanched vegetables to a baking sheet or piece of waxed paper. Continue until all vegetables are blanched. Set aside to cool.

To make béchamel sauce: In a medium skillet melt butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle flour over butter and whisk until flour is cooked and well combined, about 2 minutes. Whisking, pour in the hot milk. Continue to whisk until sauce is well combined and thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Whisk in cheddar, thyme, salt and pepper, until cheese melts. Remove sauce from heat.

Butter sides and bottom of a 6-inch spring form pan. Layer vegetables in concentric circles covering bottom of the pan. Every 2 to 3 layers, press firmly with fingers to even out layers. (Vegetable rounds do not have to be perfectly overlapping or spaced.) Spread 3 to 4 Tbsp. béchamel over vegetables, salt and pepper as desired. Continue layering and spreading sauce until vegetables are a few layers over rim of pan. Sprinkle remaining grated cheese over top. (Completed gratin may be covered with plastic wrap at this stage and refrigerated up to 4 hours. Remove plastic wrap before continuing.)

To cook: Cover with foil and place on a baking sheet (to catch spills) in oven. Cook until heated through and vegetables are tender, 30 to 45 minutes; remove foil for last 15 minutes.

While gratin is cooking combine breadcrumbs, melted butter and thyme in a medium bowl. Arrange breadcrumbs in an even layer on a baking sheet. Toast in oven until golden, about 5 minutes. Set aside to use as garnish on gratin sides.

To serve: Let sit at room temperature about 5 minutes. Run a knife around inside of gratin. Open pan, remove sides, and using a large spatula, transfer to a serving platter. Press breadcrumb mixture around sides of gratin. Arrange thyme sprigs. Cut into wedges to serve.

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