Darina Allen: My love affair with gratins, from dauphinoise to pumpkin

Pumpkin Gratin with Cheese can be a delicious vegetarian main course or a substantial side dish. Cook it under a roast to catch the delicious juices.

What could be more enticing on a winter evening than a bubbly seasonal gratin. Years ago, the limit of my imagination on gratins was potato and spring onion gratin and gratin dauphinoise but I’ve become so much more adventurous.

I’m almost addicted to gratins, a perfect, comforting kitchen supper, a meal in one dish or of course it makes a perfect accompaniment to a roast chicken, a few lamb chops or a brace of mallard.