White Hakurei Turnip Gratin

Adapted from Gourmet

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2–4 white Hakurei turnips, trimmed and left unpeeled
• 1/2 tablespoon chopped thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Dash of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

PREPARATION

1. Preheat oven to 450 °F with rack in middle.
2. Melt butter in an ovenproof 12-inch heavy skillet, then cool.
3. Slice turnips paper-thin with slicer if you have one, otherwise slice as safely and thinly as possible with a knife, then arrange one third of slices, overlapping tightly, in skillet, keeping remaining slices covered with dampened paper towels. Sprinkle with about a third of thyme, kosher salt, and cayenne. Make 2 more layers.
4. Cook, covered, over medium heat until underside is browned, about 10 minutes. Add cream and cook, covered, until center is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Sprinkle evenly with cheese, then bake, uncovered, until golden and bubbling, 10 to 15 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 3–4. Active time, 20 minutes; total time, 1 hour.

Cook’s note: For paper-thin slices, use an adjustable-blade slicer or mandoline (optional).