Tuesday, Nov. 03, 2009

Casserole doesn't have to be bad for you

There's a line between the box of instant au gratin potatoes that is made from dehydrated potatoes and powdered cheese sauce, and the homemade with a heavy dose of cream and Cheddar cheese.

This Au Gratin Potato Casserole uses reduced-fat dairy products to trim the fat and calories from this creamy, satisfying comfort food.

Shopping tip: Red-skinned potatoes are waxier and hold their shape better than russets when boiled.

AU GRATIN POTATO CASSEROLE

2 pounds red-skinned potatoes, not peeled (about 5 to 6 medium)

1/4 cup very finely chopped onion

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups fat-free skim milk

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons minced flat-leaf (Italian) parsley, minced, divided

1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese

2 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese

Scrub potatoes and remove eyes. Cut larger potatoes in half. Place potatoes in large saucepan and add cold water to cover. Cover pan and heat over high heat until water boils. Reduce heat and cook until potatoes are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Drain potatoes and set aside to cool slightly.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 11-by-7-inch (2-quart) casserole dish with nonstick spray coating.

Combine onion, garlic, flour, milk, salt and pepper in a medium, heavy saucepan. Whisk thoroughly, blending until the flour is completely dissolved. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until milk is bubbly and slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Whisk in 1 tablespoon parsley and the cheddar cheese; stir until cheese is blended.

When potatoes are just cool enough to handle, peel and slice 1/4-inch thick. Place sliced potatoes in prepared casserole dish. Drizzle cheese sauce over potatoes, covering slices evenly and completely. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until hot and golden. Sprinkle with remaining parsley just before serving.

Makes 12 servings, each (1/2-cup) serving with 117 calories, 1 gram total fat, 3 mg cholesterol, 21 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams protein, 116 mg sodium, 2 grams dietary fiber.