Nigella Tartiflette

Dive into the cozy, comforting world of Tartiflette, a beloved dish from the Savoie region in France. This hearty meal is a testament to the simple pleasure of cheese, potatoes, bacon, and onions, baked to perfection. Its name, derived from the local patois for potato, 'tartiflâ', hints at its humble, yet richly satisfying nature. Though its origins are a bit muddled, Tartiflette stands as a modern culinary creation, aimed at promoting the delicious Reblochon cheese, and has since become a staple in ski resorts and homes craving warmth and comfort during the colder months.

Here's how you can bring this French delight into your kitchen. The ingredients for Tartiflette are beautifully simple, yet promise a dish bursting with flavor:

• Ingredients for the Tartiflette:
  • Potatoes (750 grams), preferably a red variety that's between waxy and floury
  • Bacon lardons (150 grams), smoked for a deeper flavor
  • Unsalted butter
  • One finely sliced onion
  • A glass of white wine for that touch of acidity and depth
  • Crème fraîche and double cream, about 3 tablespoons each, or 6 tablespoons of one if you don't have the other
  • Olive oil, salt, and a half-wheel of Reblochon cheese (approximately 250 grams) to crown the dish

Preparation Instructions:

1. Start by preheating your oven and preparing your potatoes by boiling them until just cooked.
2. Render the fat from the bacon lardons, then sauté with onions, and add white wine and cream to create a rich, flavorful base.
3. Fry the steamed potatoes to a golden crisp before combining them with the bacon and onion mixture in a gratin dish.
4. Top with slices of Reblochon cheese and bake until the cheese is deliciously melted and browned.

Storage and Reheating: Tartiflette reheats well, so you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy them the next day. Simply cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven until warm throughout.

Nutritional Information: This dish is rich in flavors and calories, with the main contributors being the cheese, cream, and bacon. It offers a good amount of protein and fat, making it a filling meal perfect for cold days.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I substitute Reblochon cheese? While Reblochon is traditional, you can use other soft, creamy cheeses if it's not available.
• Is there a vegetarian version? Yes, simply omit the bacon and add more onions or substitute with mushrooms for a vegetarian take.

Embrace the art of French cooking with this sumptuous Tartiflette recipe. Whether after a day on the slopes or as a comforting meal to share with loved ones, it's a dish that promises warmth, comfort, and the joy of shared meals.

Original recipe featured in "Frontières: The Food of France’s Borderlands" by Alex Jackson, and shared on Nigella Lawson's website​​​​​​.