Rutabaga and Apple Gratin Recipe
Overview:
This Rutabaga and Apple Gratin is a delightful winter dish that strikes a perfect balance between the robust flavor of rutabaga (yellow turnip or swede) and the subtle sweetness of apples. It’s a healthy, low-calorie option that doesn’t compromise on taste, making it perfect for those watching their diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Calories per Serving: 113.1 kcal
- Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)
Ingredients:
- 1 rutabaga (yellow turnip or swede)
- 1 apple
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/8 tsp dried savory
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 3/4 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- Bread crumbs (for topping)
Instructions:
-
Prepare Rutabaga:
- Peel the rutabaga and cut it in half lengthwise, then into quarters.
- Thinly slice each quarter crosswise.
- Place the rutabaga slices in boiling water, cover, and cook for approximately 10 minutes or until almost tender.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare Apple Mixture:
- In a large bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Add the apples (cored and thinly sliced), salt, pepper, dried savory, and dried thyme.
- Toss the apple mixture gently to coat evenly.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Add the cooked rutabaga slices to the apple mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Pour the mixture into an 8-inch oven-proof dish.
- Cover the dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
-
Prepare Topping:
- In a bowl, combine bread crumbs, dried parsley, and butter.
- After the initial 20 minutes of baking, remove the dish from the oven.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the gratin.
-
Finish Baking:
- Return the gratin, uncovered, to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the rutabagas are tender and the topping is golden brown.
-
Final Touch:
- Optional: Broil the gratin for a couple of minutes to further crisp up the topping and achieve a golden finish.
-
Serve:
- Serve the Rutabaga and Apple Gratin hot, straight from the oven.
Tips:
- Variation: If rutabagas are not available, you can substitute with turnips, which have a similar texture and flavor profile.
- Doubling the Recipe: If you’re not concerned about calorie count, feel free to double the gratin for a larger batch.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
This dish is not only nutritious but also brings out the best of seasonal flavors, making it a perfect addition to any winter meal. The combination of rutabagas and apples, enhanced with savory herbs and a buttery breadcrumb topping, ensures a comforting and satisfying experience with every bite. Enjoy this low-protein, low-cholesterol, and healthy gratin that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please your taste buds!