Scalloped Potatoes with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

Mirj's Note:

I saw this demonstrated on the Oprah show and I knew I had to try these out. Oprah was writhing with pleasure while she described these, and now I know why!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 3 lbs yukon gold potatoes
• 1 cup sun-dried tomato pesto (see recipe I posted here on the 'zaar)
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh marjoram
• 1 cup vegetable broth or 1 cup parve chicken broth or 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock, heated to boiling
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400ÿF.
2. Lightly oil an 11 © x 8-inch (2-quart) baking dish.
3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat.
4. Peel the potatoes and cut into 1/8-inch-thick rounds (a mandoline or food processor does the quickest work).
5. Add to the boiling water and cook until barely tender, about 8 minutes.
6. Drain and toss with the pesto to coat evenly.
7. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. Layer half of the potatoes in the dish, sprinkle with one third of the cheese, and sprinkle with basil.
9. Continue until you have 3 layers, finishing with cheese.
10. Pour in the hot broth.
11. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
12. Bake for 30 minutes.
13. Uncover and continue to bake until the cheese is bubbling and starting to brown, about 15 minutes.
14. Serve hot, sprinkled with parsley.

Reviews

[Evie*]

I think Ive found my ultimate potato dish, this is superb, a real taste sensation.

[Chef #1099204]

NOT GOOD AS WRITTEN!! Please do not cook the potatoes for 8 minutes, you will end up with a mushy mess. Whoever wrote about 8 minutes was off by about 4 minutes. The potatoes were so over cooked before baking I was afraid to put in the broth as I thought it would turn to soup. I could tell you what I did to doctor it up but it would be a totally different recipe! The pesto part is great and I am glad I made extra. I have never made scalloped potatoes before and I just checked 5 other recipes... none of them call for cooking the potatoes before baking them.

[Kasey270]

I too, saw this on Oprah and just had to try it. That was several years ago and now it is one of my most successful and requested recipes. Once, I tried marjoram instead of basil and it was even better! The pesto makes this dish. You gotta try it!