Sweet Potato & Leek Gratin

Ingredients

• 2 Tbs. unsalted butter; more for the pan
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 6 oz. pancetta or country ham, cut into ¼-inch dice
• ¼ cup minced garlic
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• + 4 more ingredients
• • 1 tsp. coarse salt
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (1 lb. total), peeled (see Sweet potatoes vs. yams)
  • 3 medium Idaho potatoes (1-¼ lb. total), peeled
  • 2 large leeks (1 lb. total), trimmed, halved lengthwise, sliced ¼ inch thick crosswise, swished and soaked in enough cold water to cover

Lift the leeks gently from their soaking water so that any grit stays behind. Drain them in a colander. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter in the olive oil. Add the pancetta or ham and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 9 min. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain...

View full recipe at Fine Cooking