Scottish Cheddar & Savoy Cabbage Potato Gratin
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Scottish-inspired Cheddar & Savoy Cabbage Potato Gratin. Combining creamy mashed potatoes with the subtle crunch of blanched Savoy cabbage and the aromatic touch of fresh chives, this dish is crowned with a layer of rich, bubbling cheddar cheese. Reminiscent of classic Celtic cuisines such as the Scottish Rumbledethumps and Irish Colcannon, this gratin can be enjoyed as a delightful vegetarian entrée or serve as a flavorful side. It's a family heirloom recipe passed through generations, ideal for cozy family meals or light luncheons with crusty bread.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
potatoes
1 1/2 lbs (peeled and cut into small even size pieces)
savoy cabbage leaves
6-8 large (washed, trimmed, and cut into 1/4-inch strips)
fresh chives
4 tablespoons (chopped)
butter
2 ounces
milk
2-4 tablespoons
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Scottish or local cheddar cheese
4 ounces (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 225°C (450°F) if you plan to bake the gratin. Alternatively, you could choose to grill it for a quicker finish.
2
Lightly grease a heat-resistant serving or baking dish to prevent sticking.
3
In a large pot, boil the peeled and diced potatoes for approximately 20 minutes, or until they're fork-tender.
4
Simultaneously, in a separate pot, blanch the Savoy cabbage strips by boiling them for no more than 5 minutes. Once done, drain the cabbage and allow it to cool in a colander.
5
Drain the boiled potatoes and transfer them back to the pot. Add butter, milk, and season generously with salt and pepper.
6
Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy, using either a potato masher or a hand-held mixer.
7
Gently fold the cooled cabbage and chopped chives into the mashed potato mixture until evenly distributed.
8
Transfer the potato and cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9
Top the mixture with a generous layer of grated cheddar cheese.
10
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and has a golden-brown crust. Alternatively, place under a hot grill for approximately 5 minutes to achieve the same effect.
11
Remove from the oven or grill and serve immediately. Pair it as a side with grilled meats, stews, or as a standalone vegetarian dish with additional vegetables and crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Scottish Cheddar & Savoy Cabbage Potato Gratin?
It is a comforting dish combining creamy mashed potatoes, blanched Savoy cabbage, and fresh chives, topped with a layer of rich, bubbling cheddar cheese.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is a vegetarian-friendly meal consisting of vegetables, dairy, and seasonings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the gratin?
The main ingredients include 1.5 lbs of potatoes, 6-8 Savoy cabbage leaves, fresh chives, butter, milk, and 4 ounces of cheddar cheese.
What type of cabbage should be used?
The recipe specifically calls for Savoy cabbage leaves, which provide a subtle crunch.
How long do I need to boil the potatoes?
The diced potatoes should be boiled for approximately 20 minutes until they are fork-tender.
How do I prepare the Savoy cabbage?
The cabbage should be washed, trimmed, and cut into 1/4-inch strips before being blanched.
How long should the cabbage be blanched?
Blanch the cabbage strips in boiling water for no more than 5 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 225 degrees Celsius or 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I grill the gratin instead of baking it?
Yes, you can place the dish under a hot grill for approximately 5 minutes to melt the cheese and create a golden crust.
How much cheddar cheese is required?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of grated Scottish or local cheddar cheese.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
The dish uses 4 tablespoons of fresh chopped chives for an aromatic touch.
How much butter is needed for the mashed potatoes?
You will need 2 ounces of butter to make the potatoes creamy.
How much milk should I add to the potato mixture?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 4 tablespoons of milk depending on your desired consistency.
What traditional dishes is this recipe similar to?
It is reminiscent of classic Celtic cuisines like Scottish Rumbledethumps and Irish Colcannon.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 225 degrees Celsius or 450 degrees Fahrenheit and grease your baking dish.
How should the potatoes be mashed?
Mash the potatoes until they are smooth and creamy using a potato masher or a hand-held mixer.
When do I add the cabbage to the dish?
Gently fold the cooled cabbage and chopped chives into the mashed potato mixture after the potatoes have been mashed with butter and milk.
How long does the gratin need to bake in the oven?
Bake the gratin for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and has a golden-brown crust.
What should I do to the baking dish before adding the potatoes?
You should lightly grease a heat-resistant serving or baking dish to prevent the mixture from sticking.
What are the suggested serving pairings?
It can be served as a side with grilled meats or stews, or as a standalone dish with crusty bread.
Is this an heirloom recipe?
Yes, it is described as a family heirloom recipe passed down through generations.
How should the cabbage be cooled after blanching?
After boiling for 5 minutes, drain the cabbage and allow it to cool in a colander.
Does the recipe specify a type of potato?
The recipe simply lists potatoes, but they should be peeled and cut into small even-sized pieces.
What seasonings are used?
The recipe uses salt and pepper to taste.
Is this dish suitable for a light luncheon?
Yes, it is ideal for cozy family meals or light luncheons when served with additional vegetables and bread.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe contains a total of 8 ingredients.
How do I know when the gratin is finished cooking?
It is finished when the cheese on top is melted and has developed a golden-brown crust.
Should the chives be fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 tablespoons of fresh chopped chives.
Can I use a hand-held mixer for the potatoes?
Yes, you can use either a potato masher or a hand-held mixer to ensure the potatoes are smooth.