Ingredients:
1/4 lb sliced bacon, diced
2 large onions, finely chopped
3 lbs new potatoes, peeled
1 cup light cream or 1 cup half-and-half
3 large egg yolks, slightly beaten
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 large egg whites
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
Directions:
Saute the bacon in a medium-size skillet over medium heat until it renders its fat.
Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the skillet.
Add the onions and saute, stirring occasionally, over medium heat until deeply colored, about 15 minutes.
Remove from the heat and set aside.
Grate the potatoes coarsely by hand or in a food processor using a coarse grating blade.
Wash in several changes of water.
Squeeze the potatoes well in a clean linen or cotton kitchen towel to remove as much liquid as possible.
Rinse and squeeze again.
In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the potatoes, sauteed onions, bacon, cream, and egg yolks.
Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Beat the egg whites until stiff.
Gently fold into the potato mixture, using a rubber spatula.
Carefully transfer the mixture to a well-buttered round 10-inch baking dish or heavy oven proof skillet.
Dot the top with butter.
Bake until the top is browned and crispy and potatoes are tender, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Serves 6 to 8.
Servings: 6-8
Time preparation: 20 min.
Time total: 65 min.