Potato & Artichoke Al Forno

Ingredients:

For the Potato & Artichoke Layers:

• 4 large potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Salt, nutmeg, and white pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare Potato & Artichoke Layers In a bowl, combine thinly sliced potatoes, quartered artichoke hearts, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to mix.

Step 3: Make Béchamel Sauce In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt, nutmeg, and white pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble Layers In a greased baking dish, layer half of the potato and artichoke mixture. Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the layer. Repeat with the remaining potato and artichoke mixture and béchamel sauce.

Step 5: Bake Pour the heavy cream evenly over the assembled layers. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the potatoes are tender. You can cover with foil during baking to prevent excessive browning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh thyme leaves, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 7: Enjoy Serve the Potato & Artichoke Al Forno warm, scooping out layers of creamy goodness. Pair it with a side salad or enjoy it on its own for a comforting and satisfying meal.

This Potato & Artichoke Al Forno dish is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the creamy potatoes and artichokes baked to perfection!