Homemade Potato and Leek Au Gratin Ala German’s {Dinner Idea}

I love to cook and hardly ever have time; hubby is the designated cook in the house, but on the rare occasion that I get off work early and I can actually cook something for my family, I usually cook German dinners. The kids and hubby love it, because it is so different and they think I’m the “bestest (their words..lol) cooker ever”!!

Since we are traveling in Germany right now, I thought it would be fun to share one of my favorite recipes that we made a few days before we left; it was simple, very little effort, ingredients, took no time at all but was very tasty and ohh so delicious. You can change the recipe up and include more veggies, more meat or anything you see fit.. this is kind fo a basic recipe for Potato Au Gratin the way we make it here in Germany……

This is what you will need:

• 2-3 Large Leeks
• 2 eggs
• 1 package shredded cheese (more if you love cheese…we used Gouda and shredded it)
• Chicken or vegetable stock to flavor the potato water(we used Knorr Chicken Stock…wish I had Vegetable Stock would have been great in this.. but chicken was still good)
• 1 small carton of Heavy Cream ( 1 cup I think is the small one)
• 5-6 medium size potato’s
• 2 Gloves of garlic –pressed
• a little butter for the Leek and the pan

This is how to make it:

Step 1 …… Clean leek and cut into rings, toss into a bowl of cold water to clean it… Have you ever used leek before? it’s simple to prepare and very yummy; so don’t be afraid. Cut it into rings about 3/4 up towards the dark green leaves, do not use all fo the dark green leaves (no idea why, I was just always told not to…lol) and toss the cut Leek into a large bowl of cold water.. this will clean all the sand and dirt off the leak, swirl around with your hands a few times… will work wonders!!! See. I told you it’s simple….

Step 2…… Next step is to peel all your potato’s and cut them in thin slices; I have a Pampered Chef slicer and LOVE it.. worked perfect to cut my potatoes in no time at all…. Toss the sliced Potato’s into a pot of boiling water and add the chicken stock to the water; boil potato’s till al-dente ( not too soft and don’t cook them all the way).

Step 3….take the Leek and the garlic, add a tablespoon or two of butter and simmer the leek for about 5-10 minutes till it looks “shinny and clear”… caramelized is the word I was looking for I think..right?

Step4 … take a oven safe dish/pan and brush butter on the entire inside; add the potato’s and the Leek mixture along with the cheese, some salt and pepper to taste and mix in your oven safe dish.. sprinkle your cheese on top (or mix it into the potato/leek mixture)

Step 5 … mix the Heavy cream and the 2 eggs in a small bowl till the eggs are all mixed witht eh Heavy Cream….

Step6 ….  pour Egg/Heavy Cream mix over the Potatoes/Leek mixture add some more cheese on top if you like and place in preheated oven at 375farenheit for about 20-30 minutes  minutes or till the top is golden brown….

This is what you will get out of the oven……..

Yummmy.. doesn’t this look delicious? You should have smelled it.. the leek is just amazing.. I love to cook with leek and unfortunately here in the US hardly anyone cooks with Leek… it really is amazing, great texture and mild taste makes it perfect for any kind of potato dish or even soups…..

Now you can eat it the way it is, or add Pork Chops, Brats or any meat of your choice, pair it with a nice Italian Green Salad and dinner is served……