Smoky Mushroom Gratin

By mahto

Ingredients

• 2 pounds assorted mushrooms such as cremini, oyster, chanterelle or white button
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
• 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 4 ounces shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1/3 cup whole wheat bread crumbs

Details

Servings 6
Adapted from wholefoodsmarket.com

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Halve or thickly slice mushrooms that are larger than about 1 1/2 inches across; leave the rest whole. Set 6 whole mushrooms aside. Place remaining mushrooms on a large rimmed baking sheet and toss with oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt. Roast until very soft and browned, about 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, skewer reserved mushrooms on 2 metal skewers. Hold the ends of the skewers with oven mitts and place mushrooms over an open flame (such as a gas burner or outdoor grill on high setting) and cook, turning frequently, until charred all over, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove mushrooms from the skewer and place on a cutting board. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop.

Oil a 1 1/2-quart gratin dish or 8-inch-square baking dish. In a large bowl, stir together half-and-half, half of the cheese, pepper, nutmeg and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir in roasted mushrooms and charred mushrooms. Pour mixture into a gratin dish and press down gently with the back of a spoon to level. Sprinkle with remaining cheese, parsley and bread crumbs. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F; bake gratin until top is well-browned and edges are bubbling, about 40 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before serving.