TWICE-COOKED POTATO AND LEEK CASSEROLE

Twice-Cooked Potato and Leek Casserole image

Number Of Ingredients 10

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2 pounds sweet potatoes - peeled and but into 1/2 inch pieces
2 pounds russet potatoes - peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1 pinch course salt and freshly grounded black pepper
3/4 cup whole milke, warmed
3/4 cup heavy cream, warmed
1.5 sticks unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 stalk Leek, white and light-green parts only. Cut into 1/4 inch rounds, washed well, and dried about 2 cups
1/4 cup safflower oil for frying

Steps:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Cover sweet potatoes and russet potatoes each with 1 inch water in 2 separate medium saucepans. Bring to a boil, salt generously, and boil until fork-tender, about 8 minutes. Drain and return potatoes to respective pans.
In a bowl, combine milk, cream, and butter. Divide milk mixture between saucepans. Mash potatoes until smooth; season with salt and pepper.
Spread mashed sweet potatoes evenly in the bottom of a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Top with mashed russet potatoes; spread evenly to edges. Bake until golden, about 25 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a bowl, combine flour and cayenne. Add leeks; toss to coat. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 inches oil over medium-high heat until a thermometer registers 350 degrees. Working in batches, add leeks and cook, turning, until crisp and light golden around edges, about 1 minute. With a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Season with salt.
Sprinkle fried leeks over potatoes; serve.