Provencal potato gratin

Bring France to your table with this classic side dish.

By GOURMETKOSHERCOOKING.COM
potatoes 311 (photo credit: MCT)
potatoes 311
(photo credit: MCT)
PROVENCAL POTATO GRATIN
4 large cloves garlic, smashed3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling1 medium yellow onion, sliced1 red pepper, peeled, seeded and diced (3/4 cup)1/4 cup dry white wine2 pounds Yukon gold or other waxy potatoes (about 4 to 5), peeled1 cup water1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves1 pound plum tomatoesKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Rub 1 of the garlic cloves all over the inside of a large 1 1/2 quart oval casserole dish. Smear some of the olive oil all over the inside of the dish. Mince the rest of the garlic.
2. Heat the rest of the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, and pepper, season with the salt and pepper, and cook until tender, about 8 minutes. Add the wine and simmer to reduce by about half.
3. Using a mandoline or vegetable slicer, slice the potatoes about 1/8-inch thick and add them to the pan with the water, salt, pepper to taste. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Stir in the basil.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and shake the pan to distribute the potatoes evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Slice the tomatoes about a 1/4-inch thick and arrange them in a shingled pattern on top of the potatoes. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake, uncovered, until the potatoes are tender about 1 1/2 hours. Sprinkle the panko over the top and bake until brown, about 15 minutes more.
7. Remove from the oven and let casserole cool 10 minutes before serving. This can also be served at room temperature.