Rustic Potato Gratin with Chorizo and Tomato Béchamel

This isn’t your average gratin. Imagine tender layers of potatoes, slices of spicy chorizo, and a rich, creamy tomato-infused béchamel sauce baked until bubbly and golden. It’s rustic, hearty, and full of warm Mediterranean flavor — perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests.

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Ingredients:

(Serves 4–6)

🥔 For the gratin:

• 2 lbs (900g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russets), thinly sliced
• 6 oz (170g) cured Spanish chorizo, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Gruyère, Manchego, or mozzarella)
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)

🍅 For the tomato béchamel:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk (warm)
• 1/2 cup tomato passata or purée
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Pinch of chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions:

🍅 1. Make the tomato béchamel:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a light roux.
• Gradually whisk in the warm milk until smooth and thickened.
• Stir in the tomato puree, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
• Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

🔪 2. Assemble the gratin:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a baking dish (around 9×13″).
• Layer half the potatoes, season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Top with half the chorizo slices and a third of the cheese.
• Spoon over half the tomato béchamel.
• Repeat with remaining potatoes, chorizo, and béchamel. Finish with the rest of the cheese.

🔥 3. Bake:

• Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for another 20–25 minutes, until golden, bubbling, and potatoes are tender.
• Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

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🌿 Optional Add-Ins:

• Sautéed onions or spinach for extra veg
• Fresh rosemary or oregano for herby flair
• A handful of grated Parmesan on top for extra crisp

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🧡 Serve With:

• A crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water with citrus

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Smoky, creamy, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent — this gratin will become a cold-weather favorite. Want a vegetarian version or spicy kick? I’ve got ideas!

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