Fennel Layered with Potatoes & Breadcrumbs



2 pounds yellow potatoes, such as Yukon Gold
1 large fennel bulb, trimmed (3/4 to 1 pound after trimming)
1 cup firmly packed fresh bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated pecorino (preferably Tuscan) or Parmigiano-Reggiano
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 medium cloves garlic, minced
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
2-1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper

1. Peel the potatoes and slice them as thinly as possible, between 1/16 and 1/8 inch thick (use a mandoline if you have one). Put the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water to keep them from browning.
2. Cut the fennel in half lengthwise. Slice the halved fennel crosswise as thinly as possible, between 1/16 and 1/8 inch thick. You should have about 4 cups.
3. In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, and garlic. Mix well with your hands, making sure the garlic is evenly distributed.
4. Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 400 degrees F.
5. Lightly oil the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. Without draining the potatoes, use your hands to lift out about one-third of the slices and arrange them in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping them slightly. (The water clinging to them will generate steam as they bake.) Season with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and a couple of grinds of the pepper. Sprinkle the potatoes evenly with 1/4 cup of the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil. Top the potatoes with half of the sliced fennel, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the fennel with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup of the breadcrumb mixture, and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Repeat this layering process, ending with a top layer of potatoes. Season the top layer with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and some more pepper. Top with the remaining breadcrumb mixture and the final 2 tablespoons oil.
7. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes (be sure the aluminum foil is sealed tightly all around the baking dish, or there won't be enough steam to cook the potatoes). Uncover and continue baking until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes longer. Let rest at least 10 minutes before serving. The tortiera is as good warm as it is hot.

Servings: 8