Pumpkin Gratin
Serves: 4 ; Prep: 45 mins ; Cook: 40 mins
Ingredients
- 450 g small main-crop Potatoes, halved
- 600 g Pumpkin
- 150 ml dry Cider
- 300 ml Vegetable Stock
- 1 small sprig of fresh Rosemary
- 1 large red Onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 beefsteak Tomatoes, thickly sliced
- 2 sprigs of fresh Oregano, stalks discarded
- 225 g Red Leicester Cheese, grated
- 115 g fresh white Breadcrumbs
- salt and pepper
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). Put the potatoes in a medium-sized saucepan, cover with boiling water and bring back to the boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until they are just tender, then drain.
- Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin. Discard any seeds and fibres, then peel the flesh and cut it into 2.5 cm (1 in) cubes. Place in a saucepan and pour in the cider and stock. Add the rosemary. Bring to the boil, then partially cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the onion and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Discard the rosemary and add seasoning to taste.
- Slice the potatoes and arrange half of them over the bottom of a 2 litre (3 1/2 pint) ovenproof dish. Lay half the tomato slices on the potatoes and scatter half the oregano leaves over. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with half of the cheese.
- Spoon the cooked pumpkin on top, adding all the cooking liquid. Top with the remaining potatoes, tomatoes and oregano. Mix the remaining cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top of the vegetables.
- Bake the vegetable gratin for 35–40 minutes or until the topping is crisp and golden brown. Serve piping hot with a crisp salad and crusty bread.