Potato and Lardon Casserole

Ingredients for Potato and Lardon Casserole

• 2.3kg yellow-fleshed potatoes such as Yukon Gold

• 230g slab bacon, any rind discarded, bacon cut lengthwise into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and then slices cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick strips (lardons)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1/2 teaspoons black pepper

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits

How to make Potato and Lardon Casserole

Preheat oven to 177°C. If you are also making crown roast of pork with onion and bread-crumb stuffing (page 230), oven racks will already be in lower third and bottom of oven; if not, put oven rack in middle position.

Peel potatoes, then halve lengthwise (quarter if very large) and cut crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick pieces. Blanch potatoes in 2 batches in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water 5 minutes per batch (potatoes will not be completely cooked through). Transfer potatoes with a slotted spoon to a large bowl of ice and cold water to stop cooking, then drain in a colander and transfer to another large bowl.

Cook lardons in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, 5 to 8 minutes. Add lardons and 2 tablespoons fat from skillet to potatoes, then add thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper and toss until combined well. Transfer mixture to a greased 13- by 9-inch shallow baking dish (or other 3-quart shallow baking dish) and dot with butter.

Bake casserole (next to or under crown roast, if making, starting 30 minutes before roast is done), uncovered, 30 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 218°C, then continue to bake until top is golden, about 15 minutes. Season with salt.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.