Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic dish: Rum Glazed Sweet Potato Apple and Chestnut Gratin! This mouthwatering recipe combines the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, the tartness of fresh apples, and the rich, nutty flavor of chestnuts, all enveloped in a luscious rum-infused cream. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners, this gratin is not just a side dish; it’s a showstopper that will have your guests begging for seconds! Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to warm your heart and home.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 2 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup cooked chestnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rum
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Peel and slice the sweet potatoes and apples into thin, uniform rounds approximately 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture.
- Layer the sweet potato slices as the first base in the prepared baking dish, slightly overlapping each slice to create an even foundation.
- Sprinkle chopped chestnuts evenly over the sweet potato layer, distributing them for balanced flavor in each serving.
- Add a layer of apple slices on top of the chestnuts, creating a colorful and textured middle layer.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, rum, heavy cream, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the rum cream mixture slowly and evenly over the layered sweet potatoes, apples, and chestnuts, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to caramelize and develop a golden-brown crust.
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin rest for 10 minutes before serving, which allows the sauce to thicken and settle.
- Serve warm as a luxurious side dish, garnishing with additional chopped chestnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can peel and slice the sweet potatoes and apples a few hours in advance. Just keep them submerged in water to prevent browning until you're ready to assemble the dish.
- Uniform Slices: Aim for uniform thickness (about 1/4 inch) when slicing the sweet potatoes and apples. This ensures even cooking and a pleasing texture in every bite.
- Layering Technique: When layering the ingredients, slightly overlap the sweet potato slices for a beautiful presentation and to help them cook evenly.
- Customize the Flavors: Feel free to experiment with spices! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract can enhance the flavor profile of the cream mixture.
- Watch the Bake: Keep an eye on the gratin during the final 15 minutes of baking. You want a beautifully caramelized top, but be careful not to let it burn.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the gratin to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Flair: Elevate your dish by garnishing with additional chopped chestnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
