Tartiflette
Introduction to Tartiflette
Tartiflette is a delicious French dish that hails from the Savoie region in the French Alps. Known for its rich and comforting flavors, this dish is perfect for warming up on a cold winter day. The recipe is believed to have been inspired by a traditional rural dish called 'pèla,' and it became popular in the 1980s as a means to promote the local Reblochon cheese. Tartiflette showcases the creamy, nutty flavor of Reblochon cheese, combined with potatoes, bacon, onions, and white wine.
Ingredients
- Reblochon cheese - 1 whole cheese, about 450g
- Potatoes - 1kg
- Bacon lardons - 200g
- Onions - 2 medium, thinly sliced
- Dry White Wine - 125ml
- Butter - 50g
- Garlic - 1 clove, minced
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Cooking Tools Needed
- Large frying pan
- Oven-proof casserole dish
- Good kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Cooking spoon
- Aluminum foil
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into thin slices. Next, thinly slice the onions and mince the garlic. Slice the Reblochon cheese in half horizontally, so you have two thinner rounds with the rind on each piece.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Onions
In a large frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the bacon lardons and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, add the sliced onions and garlic; sauté until the onions are soft and translucent.
Cooking Instructions
Step 3: Cook the Potatoes
Parboil the potatoes in a pot of salted water until just tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Assemble the Tartiflette
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). In the oven-proof casserole dish, start layering the ingredients: begin with a layer of cooked potatoes, followed by layers of onions and bacon. Season each layer with salt and pepper. Repeat the layers until all ingredients, except the cheese, are used.
Pour the white wine evenly over the assembled layers. Finally, place the halved Reblochon cheese on top, with the rind facing upward.
Step 5: Baking the Tartiflette
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the Reblochon cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown crust. For perfect timing, consider using a cooking timer.
Serving Suggestions
Tartiflette is best enjoyed straight out of the oven while it is bubbly and fragrant. Serve it as a main dish accompanied by a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A crisp, chilled white wine such as a Savoie or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with this hearty dish. The luscious yet robust flavors of Tartiflette will surely delight both your taste buds and your guests.
Conclusion
Create this indulgent and warming Tartiflette to experience a little taste of the French Alps in your own home. Whether sharing with family or impressing at a dinner party, this rustic dish crafted with rich Reblochon cheese will surely satisfy any palate.