Timballo di cavoletti di Bruxelles e patate - Brussels Sprout and potato Italian style terrine

Not everyone likes Brussels, my husband doesn't... generally, but when I cook them he does, in fact after making this he went out and bought some more himself!!!

I love them, they are a great vegetable to use to make a main, and they are so pretty!

A timballo is a baked dish of rice and other ingredients, it can be made with anything, and I usually do it when I have left over long grain rice. It is also a good way to pair rice and potatoes, which may seems strange to some, but it works.

I cleaned the Brussels and slice a couple of big peeled potatoes, and then pass them quickly in a pan with olive oil and a little garlic. Just long enough to heat them, two minutes, stirring (don't burn them or colour them!). Then I covered them with vegetable stock, added a lid and simmer them on low until soft.

Add more stock when needed to make sure that there is always a bit of liquid. The potatoes will make the 'sauce' thick, and soften the bitterness of the Brussels.

Turn the element off, keep some Brussels and some of the best potato slices aside, and mix the rest with the cooked, or leftover, rice. Put in a baking dish and press down very well. Top with the potato slices and bake for 20 minutes, then cover with cheese and bake for other 20. Heat the leftover Brussels and pour over just before serving.

Golly, this was supposed to serve 6 but 4 of us gulped it down in no time!

And now: photos from the garden, and orchids in the house! Happy Weekend

 Photos and Recipes by Alessandra Zecchini ©