There is something magic about potatoes, is there not? Especially when browned, they are more delicious than pasta or rice, more versatile, and never fail to produce a satisfying endorphin high. The only person to disparage them is my beloved Professor, who declared in La Physiologie du Goût that “neither the Irish nor the Italians will be free until one gives up the potato and the other macaroni.” He found potatoes to be both fattening (this concession I reluctantly grant) and tasteless (jamais de la vie!) One of his few errors in judgement…
I made this potato, leek and kale casserole from ingredients on hand. With a little inspiration from a certain Irish saint.
Pádraig’s Potato Casserole
4 very large “restaurant-size” potatoes, peeled, and boiled until mashable
4-5 leaves of curly kale, sliced into thin ribbons and lightly chopped (no stems)
1 fat leek, thinly sliced (white and light green part only) and sautéed in butter
2 T. good butter, melted
1/2 cup thick Greek yogurt
1 1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar (I used Tillamook extra sharp but a good Irish cheddar would be ideal!)
Panko breadcrumbs
salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 425 F.
Butter a glass casserole dish and put a thin layer of breadcrumbs on the bottom. Microwave the kale ribbons in a covered container until wilted, about 2 minutes. Mash or whip the potatoes with yogurt and melted butter, plus a little potato water. Add a pinch of salt and some fresh-ground pepper. Mix in the kale and leeks, then two-thirds of the cheese. Spread the mixture in the casserole, and top with the rest of the cheese and more breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, then broil until the top is browned.
You need a good Sauv Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay for this, to cut through the carbs and cheese!
ladyofthecakes said:
Pasta. Every time. But I could be persuaded to have a helping of that thing you made there. Or six. 😉
linnetmoss said:
Thanks! But I’m sticking to my guns because you can’t brown pasta. Or at least, the process does not seem to improve it…
ladyofthecakes said:
True. UNLESS it’s got cheese on it. Cheese improves EVERYTHING. Even gravel.
linnetmoss said:
No arguments from this turophile!
Dorothy Langman said:
I’m thinking ~ #HIMSELF would love this!~ Kale, cheese and potatoes and there’s nothing more heartwarming on a cold night than a lovely pototo casserole~ food for the #soul
linnetmoss said:
Thanks Dorothy! You brightened my day!
Expat Eye said:
Hurrah! Potatoes and Paddy’s Day! BEST. POST. EVER! 🙂
linnetmoss said:
Glad you liked it!
crystalchandlyre said:
Eating potatoes produces endorphins? No wonder I’m addicted. That casserole sounds divine.
linnetmoss said:
Thank you! Yes, all those carbs like pasta and potatoes have an endorphin effect, which must be the definition of “comfort food.” But potatoes are the most versatile and tasty of all!
crystalchandlyre said:
Often my entire meal consists of a simple stuffed baked potato & a salad – a meal that is lightly filling & makes me happy, so makes perfect sense.
linnetmoss said:
Yes, I enjoy that meal too! With wine, of course;)
crystalchandlyre said:
I was going to say, but assumed it was a given. 😉
cheergerm said:
Ahh, potato. As my mum used to say, she would have married a potato farmer if she could have and I am cut from the same cloth. And kale! Big thumbs up.
linnetmoss said:
Many thanks! I am a big fan of home fries too, smothered in yummy sauces and cheese…