Pumpkin gratin with thyme

4 servings

45 minutes

Pumpkin gratin with thyme is a cozy and aromatic dish of European cuisine that harmoniously combines tender pumpkin, creamy sauce, and fragrant thyme. Gratin as a baking method originates from French culinary tradition where dishes with a crispy golden crust became a symbol of refined taste. In this recipe, the pumpkin acquires softness and sweet undertones enriched with cream and nutmeg. Thyme adds a light spicy note while garlic, breadcrumbs, and parsley complete the composition providing textural contrast. The gratin is perfect as a side dish for meat or as an independent dish for a cozy dinner. It should be served hot when the crust is still crispy and the aroma of herbs unfolds in all its depth.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 608.3
• Proteins: 12.1g
• Fats: 44.9g
• Carbohydrates: 60.1g

Ingredients

• Garlic: 1 clove
• Butter: 1 tbsp
• Crushed breadcrumbs: 0.5 glass
• Coarse salt: to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
• Chopped parsley: 2 tsp
• Pumpkin: 2300 g
• Chives: 3 tbsp
• Chopped fresh thyme: 2 tbsp
• Cream 40%: 1.5 glass
• Ground nutmeg: 0.1 tsp

Cooking steps

1. Peel the pumpkin and remove the seeds. Cut into thin strips.

2. Preheat the oven to 190 degrees. Rub the gratin dish with a clove of garlic and grease it with butter.

   Required ingredients:

   • Garlic: 1 clove
   • Butter: 1 tablespoon

3. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and mix with parsley.

   Required ingredients:

   • Butter: 1 tablespoon
   • Crushed breadcrumbs: 0.5 glass
   • Coarse salt:  to taste
   • Freshly ground black pepper:  to taste
   • Chopped parsley: 2 teaspoons

4. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin flesh, thyme, and chopped chives. Season with salt and pepper and transfer to the prepared dish.

   Required ingredients:

   • Pumpkin: 2300 g
   • Chopped fresh thyme: 2 tablespoons
   • Chives: 3 tablespoons
   • Coarse salt:  to taste
   • Freshly ground black pepper:  to taste

5. In a small saucepan, mix cream and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Pour the cream over the pumpkin.

   Required ingredients:

   • Cream 40%: 1.5 glass
   • Ground nutmeg: 0.1 teaspoon

6. Put the gratin in the oven for 20 minutes. Then take it out and gently stir. Return to the oven for another 10 minutes until the cream thickens. Remove from the oven.

7. Preheat the grill in the oven.

8. Sprinkle the gratin with breadcrumbs and place under the grill for 2 minutes until golden brown. Serve immediately.

   Required ingredients:

   • Crushed breadcrumbs: 0.5 glass