Potato & Kale Pie

This is a re-work of my mom's scalloped potatoes.  Depression food.  I changed the name to get my now adult children to eat it even though they knew it was a version of the scalloped potatoes I was raised on.  "Something about the word scalloped" my daughter said.  I think it is incredibly good.

I make it often switching up various fresh herbs and vegetables layered with the potatoes.  The thinly sliced layers of onion, herbs etc are sprinkled with salt, pepper, flour and a bit of butter and then scalded milk is poured over.  It bakes up thickened without the need to make a white sauce or used canned cream soup.  Leftover chopped ham is also a popular addition between the layers.

This is an "about" recipe. The measurements aren't exact. You just make the number of pies/pans you want. The leftovers re-heat so well it shouldn't be a problem getting people to eat it up later.

Click on this link to get a printable recipe.

INGREDIENTS:

Per 9 inch (23 cm) pie plate

2 medium large potatoes, washed, but peel on, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
a few cups of kale, chopped.  Remove the stem if it is tough
1 small zucchini or patty pan squash, rutabaga or turnip, sliced same thickness of the potatoes
I medium onion, sliced thin
potato flour between layers, about a 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) per layer - use any flour - I use gluten free potato or brown rice flour
sprinkle of salt and pepper and a bit of butter between the layers
minced herbs between the layers - I like sage and thyme leaves but use what you have on hand
1+ clove garlic, minced also spread between the layers
2 cups scalded milk to pour over - 500 ml
Top with grated cheese like old cheddar.

METHOD:
1.  Butter, oil or spray two 9 inch pie plates (2 inch deep).  I use butter as it is traditional for old school scalloped potatoes.
2.  Slice potatoes, kale, turnip/rutabaga and onion.  Peel on for potatoes and the onion gets cut into rings.  Make potato and rutabaga slices similar size pieces so they have similar cooking times.



3.  Put the milk in a saucepan and heat over medium high heat to scald which is just before boiling.  Whisk along the way.  Don't boil the milk as it can clump.
4.  Mince fresh herbs and set aside.
5.  Grate or slice cheese and set aside.
6.  To assemble place layer of potatoes over bottom of pan.  Sprinkle with some of the onions, chopped kale and then sprinkle with salt, pepper, minced herbs and the flour.  Dot with layer with a bit of butter.





7.  Add layer of rutabaga and repeat step 6.

8.  Sprinkle cheese over top and bake at 300'F for 45-60 minutes or until sauce is thickened and cheese is lightly browned.  Believe it or not I couldn't find the grater so the cheese got sliced.  Dig around the fridge and use the odds and sods of cheese that need to be used up.

Option:  Ham is a nice addition between layers. 

Yours in good taste,
© Nancy Guppy, RD, MHSc
http://nancyguppy.com/