Robo-Prep!

Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin! ~$25
-6 thick ham steaks -$10
-2 pounds of red potatoes -$2
-1/4 cup minced onion -$0.50
-1/4 cup butter -$1.50
-1 cup milk -$ 1
-1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese -$2
-2 tablespoons all-purpose flour -$0.25
-1/2 teaspoon salt -$0.25
-1/2 teaspoon pepper -$0.25

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and lay the ham steak in the bottom of it.

3. Slice potatoes as thin as you can and scatter on top of the ham steak.

4. In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté onions over medium heat.

5. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute.

6.Whisk in milk, stirring continuously until mixture is thick and bubbly. This will be the Au Gratin sauce.

7. Pour Au Gratin sauce over potatoes and ham steak.

8. Sprinkle top with shredded cheese.

9. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until potatoes are done and golden brown.

Nutritional Information (1 serving):
Calories: 380 | Fat: 25g | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 24g | Sodium: 1193mg | Potassium: 743mg | Fiber: 2.1g

Origins of Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin

Ham and potatoes au gratin is a classic French dish composed of thinly sliced potatoes baked with grated cheese and heavy cream, dotted with pieces of ham. The dish was first recorded in a cookbook from the 18th century, entitled “Ma Cuisine” by Marie-Antoine Careme. It was in this cookbook where it was given the name “gratin dauphinois” which translates to “gratin of Dauphine” in English. The term “dauphine” refers to an area of France that lies in the region of Dauphiné. The dish was a favorite of King Charles de Gaulle and is still popular among French citizens for its ease of preparation and unique flavors.

Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin in Popular Culture

In modern times, ham and potatoes au gratin is still one of the French’s most popular dishes. The dish has made it’s way into many restaurants and chefs have started refining and creating their own variations. From classic recipes of cheese and ham mixed into the potatoes, to experimental variations such as incorporating bacon, breadcrumbs and caramelized onions.

The dish is also very popular in the United States, where it is often served as a side dish. It is perhaps most popular as a casserole on Thanksgiving and other holidays, though it can also be found in restaurants as a classic comfort food dish.

Interesting Facts About Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin

One interesting fact about ham and potatoes au gratin is that the dish is believed to have originated in the Piedmont region of Italy. This origin is due to the fact that Piedmont was the only region in Europe during the 18th century to have potatoes. The dish then eventually made its way to France, where it was published in Careme’s cookbook and began to spread in popularity throughout the country.

Another interesting fact about the dish is that it is traditionally made with a special cheese called Comté. Comté is a cow’s milk cheese made in the Franche-Comté region of France, and it has a hard, piquant flavor. The cheese has a unique nutty flavor that can only be found in this particular cheese.

Conclusion

Ham and potatoes au gratin is a classic French dish that has been around since the late 18th century. The recipe has been adapted and refined over centuries, and is now popular as a side dish and casserole in many parts of the world. There are some interesting facts about the dish, such as its Italian origins and the use of special cheese from France in its original recipe. click here for more information about Ham and Potatoes Au Gratin from wikipedia. click here for more information about the Comté cheese used in the dish.