For many people, Hachis Parmentier is a nostalgic dish that reminds them of home-cooked meals or childhood memories. It is a classic French recipe that has been passed down through generations and is still popular today.
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Hachis Parmentier is a classic French dish that dates back to the 18th century. The dish was named after Antoine-Augustin Parmentier, a French agronomist who is credited with popularizing the use of potatoes in French cuisine.
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Parmentier was a passionate advocate for potatoes, which were originally seen as a food fit only for animals. He believed that potatoes were a nutritious and affordable food source that could help to alleviate hunger and malnutrition in France. To promote the use of potatoes, Parmentier organized a series of potato-themed feasts for the wealthy and influential members of French society. These feasts included potato dishes such as mashed potatoes, potato soup, and potato gratin, which helped to introduce potatoes to the French culinary tradition.
Hachis Parmentier is believed to have been one of Parmentier's favorite potato dishes. The dish is similar to shepherd's pie and consists of a layer of mashed potatoes on top of a layer of ground meat, usually beef or pork. The dish is typically seasoned with onions, garlic, and other herbs, and may also include cheese or other toppings.
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Today, Hachis Parmentier is a beloved classic French dish that is enjoyed throughout the world. Its simple yet hearty flavors and comforting texture make it a popular choice for home cooks and professional chefs alike.
Ingredients:
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 cup milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup red wine
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Boil the diced potatoes in a pot of salted water until they are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the water and mash the potatoes with the milk and butter until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and pork over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the flour over the meat mixture and stir to combine. Add the beef broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened, about 10-15 minutes.
Transfer the meat mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top of the meat mixture.
Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese over the top of the mashed potatoes.
Bake the Hachis Parmentier in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Pro Tip: The dish can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For example, you can substitute the beef for turkey, chicken or vegetarian alternatives such as lentils or soy meat. The mashed potatoes can also be customized by adding cheese, herbs or spices.