Directions
Imagine stepping into a warm kitchen filled with the heavenly aroma of roasted pumpkin and a hint of nutmeg, while snowflakes gently blanket the world outside your window. Picture your favorite stout beer, dark and inviting, waiting to be poured. This isn’t just any autumn evening; it’s the setting for a culinary masterpiece—our Potato and Pumpkin Casserole.
Ingredients
- Potatoes: 4 medium-sized (approx. 800g or 4 cups sliced)
- Pumpkin: 1 small (approx. 800g or 4 cups sliced)
- Onions: 2 large (approx. 300g or 1.5 cups sliced)
- Feta Cheese: 200g or 1 cup crumbled
- Fresh Rosemary: 2 sprigs or 1 tablespoon finely chopped
- Fresh Cream: 200ml or a little under 1 cup
- Nutmeg: 5 grams
- Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
- Salt: 10 grams
- Pepper: 10 grams
The Basics
- Dish Type: Casserole
- Temperature: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Servings: 4-6
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and thinly slice the potatoes and pumpkin. Peel and slice the onions into rings. Crumble the feta cheese.
- Onion Roasting: Spread the onion rings on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and roast for about 10 minutes or until they start to brown.
- Herb Infusion: While the onions are roasting, finely chop the rosemary herbs.
- Layering: In a large baking dish, start layering your ingredients. Begin with a layer of sliced potatoes, followed by a layer of sliced pumpkin, then a sprinkle of feta cheese crumbs and a few roasted onions.
- Season and Repeat: After completing one layer, sprinkle some chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Repeat the layering process until all the ingredients are used.
- Final Touch: Put a sprinkle of nutmeg into the fresh cream and pour over the top layer, making sure it seeps through the cracks. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
- Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Serving: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with some more fresh rosemary if desired.
Variants
You can add other ingredients like garlic, nutmeg, or even switch feta cheese for another type of cheese like Gruyère, Gouda or Kefalotyri for a different flavor profile. You can also swap the whipped cream for heavy cream for a richer texture.
Wine and beer Pairings
Wines
- Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay: The buttery, oaky notes in this Chardonnay will complement the richness of the casserole.
- Domaine Ferret Pouilly-Fuissé: This French white wine offers crisp acidity and minerality that will balance out the dish’s creamy elements.
Beers
- Guinness Draught Stout: This classic stout has a creamy, roasted character that pairs seamlessly with the casserole’s earthy flavors.
- Founders Breakfast Stout: With hints of chocolate and coffee, this stout adds another layer of complexity to the dish, complementing its spicy and creamy attributes.
