This French Layered Potato and Onion bake is a simple potato dish called Pommes Boulangère or Boulangere Potatoes. It is so easy to make and makes a great alternative to creamy scalloped potatoes or cheesy potatoes au gratin. The thin slices of potatoes and onions are cooked in broth with rosemary until they are soft and tender with a golden crust. A great side dish.
Use some of the butter (about 1 tbsp) to grease the bottom and sides of a 8 cup/2 litre baking dish. Place this on a baking tray for easy.
Peel and finely slice the onions.3 onions
Use a mandolin, food processor or sharp knife to cut the potatoes into ⅛ inch (3-4mm) thick disks.2.6 lb/ 1.2kg washed potatoes (about 6 potatoes)
Arrange a layer of potatoes in your prepared baking dish, then top with onions, some of the chopped rosemary, salt, and pepper. Repeat the layers finishing with a top layer of potatoes and rosemary.2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped2 tsp salt1 tsp black pepper
Add any remaining herbs and seasonings to your broth and then pour it carefully over the potatoes. You may not need it all, you want to ensure it comes to just below the last layer of potatoes. (note 6)2 cups/ 500ml vegetable broth/stock2 cups/ 500ml vegetable broth/stock
Dot the remaining 2 tablespoon of butter over the top of the dish, cover the dish with foil and then transfer the baking dish and tray to the oven.
Cook for 45 minutes then remove the foil and cook for a further 30-35 minutes until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden and crisp. (see note 5&7)
Notes
If you want to make this dairy-free, then oil the bottom of the dish with olive oil and mix 1 tablespoon of oil into the broth/stock.
You can use any onions for this recipe. I like to use the large sweet onions if I can find them. But regular brown or white onions are still great. You can use red onions but they don't melt into the bake as easily.
You want a good allrounder potato for this dish. Too waxy and the potato bake will slip and slide apart when you serve. Too floury and the potatoes will disintegrate whilst cooked. I like to choose, Desirée, Nadine or a Yukon gold.
Whilst rosemary is the traditional herb to use, thyme, sage or oregano are also wonderful additions
The potatoes can be cooked at a lower temperature for longer if that fits with your roast.
You may not need all of the broth, you want to pour it on until it comes to just below the last layer of potatoes. this allows the top to crisp up nicely.
Depending on the thickness of your potatoes and the depth of your baking dish, the bake may take longer to cook. If you keep them at ⅛"(3mm) then they should be tender within 75 minutes of cooking.