Turkey alternative or a side dish, this squash and Edam gratin makes a tasty surprise

22 December 2008

TRADITIONAL Turkey or goose may not be everyone's cup of tea at Christmas - particularly for vegetarians. Dutch Edam has come up with delicious festive alternative that promise Christmas indulgence minus the meat.

For a main course how about Butternut squash and Edam gratin, flavoured with garlic and sage.

It could act as an indulgent accompaniment to your Christmas lunch and for non veggies, for an alternative you could add some cooked chopped smoked bacon or add a layer of wilted spinach.

Butternut Squash and Edam Gratin with Sage

Butternut squash and sliced potatoes cooked in a creamy cheese sauce - perfect served with a mixed salad or as an accompaniment to Christmas turkey or nut roast

Serves 4

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: about 1 hour

Ingredients

1 large butternut squash, about 900g (2lb)

750g (1lb 7oz) potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, crushed

30ml (2tbsp) olive oil

300ml (1/2pt) reduced fat crème frâiche

150g (5oz) Edam, grated

8 sage leaves

Method

Preheat the oven to 200d C, 400dF gas mark 6. Cut the skin off the squash and thinly slice the trunk into thin rounds. Halve the bulb end and scoop out the seeds, thinly slice into crescents.

Place the squash and potatoes in a large bowl and toss with the olive oil and the garlic, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place half this mixture in the base of an ovenproof dish.

Mix together the crème frâiche with the cheese and spoon half this mixture over the vegetables. Top with the remaining vegetables and spoon the remaining cheese mixture over the top. Arrange the sage leaves on top. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes, until the vegetables are tender when pierced with a fork.

Return to the oven and cook uncovered for a further 10 minutes until the topping is golden. Delicious served as a vegetarian main meal with salad or as an accompaniment to grilled chicken.

For information on Edam or more delicious recipes, please visit www.edammade.co.uk