Savory Potato and Sausage Casserole with Mozzarella

Savory Potato and Sausage Casserole with Mozzarella

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• • 5 medium-sized potatoes
  • 2 sausages (pork, chicken, or vegetarian)
  • 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
• 100 grams of mozzarella cheese (3.52 ounces)

For the Vegetable Sauté:

• • 1 white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, peeled and diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons of green onions, finely chopped

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• • 60 grams of butter (2.11 ounces)
  • 50 grams of all-purpose flour (1.76 ounces)
  • 400 milliliters of milk (13.52 fluid ounces)

• • Salt, to taste
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon of Provencal herbs

Seasonings:

• • Olive oil, for greasing and sautéing
  • Salt, as needed
• Ground black pepper, as needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Potatoes:

1. Peel and Slice: Peel the potatoes and slice them thinly (about ¼ inch thick). Set aside.
2. Parboil the Potatoes: Place the potato slices in a pot of salted boiling water and parboil for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.

2. Preparing the Vegetable Sauté:

1. 1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

1. 1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped white onion and minced garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
   2. Add Carrot and Bell Pepper: Incorporate the diced carrot and bell pepper. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
   3. Season: Sprinkle salt, ground black pepper, and Provencal herbs. Stir well and remove from heat. Set aside.

3. Cooking the Sausages:

1. Slice and Cook: Slice the sausages into rounds and lightly cook them in a separate skillet until browned. Set aside.

4. Making the Béchamel Sauce:

1. 1. Melt the Butter: In a saucepan, melt 60 grams of butter over medium heat.
   2. Add Flour: Add the flour to the melted butter, stirring continuously for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux.

1. Pour in the Milk: Gradually add the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to stir for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
2. Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and a teaspoon of Provencal herbs to enhance the flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Assembling the Casserole:

1. 1. Layer the Potatoes: In a greased baking dish, layer half of the parboiled potato slices, slightly overlapping them.

1. 1. Add Vegetables and Sausages: Spread the sautéed vegetable mixture over the potatoes, followed by a layer of the cooked sausage slices.
   2. Top with Remaining Potatoes: Add the remaining potato slices on top.
   3. Pour the Béchamel: Evenly pour the béchamel sauce over the layers, ensuring it seeps through.

1. Add the Egg-Mayo Mixture: Beat the 4 eggs with 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise in a separate bowl. Pour this mixture over the casserole for a rich, golden crust.
2. Sprinkle Mozzarella: Finish by spreading the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

6. Baking:

1. 1. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

1. Cool Slightly: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier slicing.