POTATO, POBLANO AND HAM BAKE

POTATO, POBLANO AND HAM BAKE

Serves 8 to 10.

Note: Poblano chiles are the dark green chiles used for chile rellenos. This brunch do-ahead dish can be tailored to taste by substituting ingredients: thinly sliced asparagus, spring peas or par-cooked Swiss chard for the poblano chile; cooked bacon, sausage or baked tofu for the ham. Small crowd? Cut the recipe in half.

• 2 large poblano chiles (see Note)

• 11/2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes

• 1 to 2 tsp. unsalted butter

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 4 to 6 oz. deli ham, chopped (about 1 c.)

• 2 oz. grated Gruyère cheese (about 1/2 c.), optional

• 10 eggs

• 5 tbsp. sour cream or crème fraîche

• 5 tbsp. melted butter

• 1/2 tsp. minced fresh thyme, optional

Directions

Char the poblanos over a gas flame or under a broiler, turning frequently until skin has blackened. Place chile in a plastic bag or bowl covered with plastic wrap. Allow to steam briefly until slightly cooled, then remove and discard skin and seeds (avoid rinsing to retain the most flavor). Chop poblano into small pieces and set aside.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and have a bowl of cold water nearby. Cut potatoes into 1/8-inch-thick slices -- use a mandoline if you have one. Immediately place slices in the bowl of water to keep them from oxidizing and to remove any excess starch.

Working in batches, separate potato slices as you add them to the boiling water; cook just until potatoes are tender and fully cooked but the pieces still hold together. Remove and place in the cold water, drain well and set aside.

Butter a 3-quart baking dish. Add a single layer of potato slices, season with salt and pepper, then scatter on some of the poblano, ham and some cheese, if using. Repeat until all the ingredients are used up, ending with a little poblano and ham on top. Wrap well and refrigerate. The recipe can be made to this point a day ahead.

To finish: Place the rack in the middle of the oven, and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator. Whisk together the eggs, sour cream, melted butter and herbs, if using. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Pour over the potato and other ingredients and bake until eggs have just set, about 35 to 40 minutes. Serve immediately.

Nutrition information per each of 10 servings:

Calories224Fat15 gSodium225 mg

Carbohydrates13 gSaturated fat7 gProtein10 gCholesterol237 mgDietary fiber1 g