Savour this comforting creamy root vegetable gratin in honour of the nurturing Norse goddess, Frigga.
AN ANCIENT NORSE MYTHOLOGY FEAST
Embark on an epic culinary adventure as we prepare a decadent feast inspired by Asgard, one of the Nine Realms of Ancient Norse mythology, and the gods that inhabit it. Travelling up the winding branches of Yggdrasil, the mighty world tree, we arrive at the mystical realm of Asgard.
Our culinary journey takes us to the celestial realm of Asgard, home to the mighty sky gods, the Aesir. In the spirit of community and kinship, we set out to honour the Aesir deities by preparing offerings in their names. Our feast includes offerings for the mighty Thor and honours the delights of Idunn’s sacred gardens. Together, let us raise a horn with the fallen warriors in Odin’s hall!
Frigga, the All-Mother of the Aesir
The wife of Odin and chiefest Goddess of the Aesir, Frigga, is one of the most beloved deities of the Norse pantheon. Called the All-Mother, she is the goddess of wisdom, foresight, and motherhood. She is the embodiment of maternal love and presides over the home and hearth with a quiet assurance. Her great estate, called Fensalir, is a sanctuary of peace and harmony.
Then Gangleri asked, "Who are the Goddesses?"
Harr said, "Frigg is the foremost: she has that estate which is called Fensalir, and it is most glorious."
-Gylfaginning, The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson
A creamy root vegetable gratin inspired by the great All-Mother is a rich and comforting dish that embodies her warmth and nurturing wisdom. A medley of thinly sliced root vegetables are layered together and smothered with heavy cream. Seasoned with fresh thyme and nutmeg and topped with cheese, this gratin is a delicious and comforting side dish.
Ingredients
Root vegetables: Choose a variety of root vegetables, such as rutabaga, celery root, parsnip, turnip, or golden beets. Try to choose vegetables that are similar in diameter so that they will cook evenly.
Cream: Use heavy whipping cream.
Cheese: I like using Gruyère cheese for this vegetable gratin, however, you could choose your favourite cheese instead. Creamy havarti or a sharp cheddar would both be good options.
How to make Creamy Root Vegetable Gratin
Prep the vegetables
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Peel the root vegetables. Using a mandolin, thinly slice the vegetables into slices about 1/6 inch thick. If some of the vegetables are much larger than the others, they can be cut half before layering. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream, flour, chopped fresh thyme, kosher salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Lightly grease an 9×13″ or oval baking dish. Arrange the root vegetables in small groups of 4 or 5 slices in the baking dish. Start by fanning out a small group of rutabaga slices. Follow with a small group of celery root and then finish with the parsnip. Repeat the pattern down each row in the baking dish to ensure a balanced presentation and flavour.
Bake the gratin
Pour the cream mixture evenly over the vegetables. Cover with foil and bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the vegetables are almost tender. Remove the foil and top with the shredded cheese. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the vegetables are completely tender and the gratin is browned. Garnish with more chopped fresh thyme and enjoy!
More Recipes from Asgard
- Sweet Cardamom Bread with Orange Honey butter, for Sif
- Akvavit Mead Cocktail, for Odin
- Fresh Herb Salad with Hazelnut Vinaigrette, for Eir
- Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb with Mustard and Fennel, for Thor
