Jerusalem artichoke and bacon gratin

Name: Jerusalem artichoke and bacon gratin
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2

Side Serves 2 40 min

This creamy gratin is particularly good for busy weeknights, as Jerusalem artichokes cook quickly on the stove. Then the dish only needs a blast under a hot grill to finish it off. It still works well if you leave out the bacon. It is rich, so it's good for a side dish for 2-4, depending how hungry you are and what else you're planning on serving. For an indulgent supper that's not too much in quantity, a crisp green salad alongside will do the job for two.

Cook's notes

Variations: - Substitute half the artichokes for another, less windy, root vegetable such as potato or celeriac. Cut everything into similar-sized slices, but cook the two different vegetable separately, one after the other, in the same pan of milk and cream, since they will cook at slightly different rates. - If you have truffle oil, drizzle a little over the gratin just after it comes out from under the grill. As it hits the hot gratin, the aroma will be sensational.

Ingredients

75g smoked bacon, diced
25g butter
200g Jerusalem artichokes, scrubbed clean
100ml double cream
100ml milk
20g Parmesan, grated
salt and pepper

Method

Prep time: 10 min

Cooking time: 30 min

Step 1
Heat the grill to high. Fry the bacon in the butter until crispy. Drain on kitchen paper and set aside.
Step 2
Peel and slice the artichokes and put them in a small pan with the cream and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until tender but still holding their shape, about 10 mins.
Step 3
Drain the artichokes and put the liquid back on to the stove to reduce. When thickened to a custard consistency, return the artichokes to the pan, add the bacon and season to taste.
Step 4
Tip into a gratin dish and top with the Parmesan. Place under the hot grill until golden, 5–10 mins.