Potato Gratin With Mushrooms and Gruyère

From Bon Appetit, November 2010.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 4  cups  finely chopped leeks (white and green parts only, about 3 large)
• 1 1⁄2 lbs mushrooms (such as crimini and stemmed shiitake, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, about 10 cups)
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 3  lbs yukon gold potatoes, peeled, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
• 2  cups heavy whipping cream
• 1  teaspoon salt (or more)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper (or more)
• 1  cup  coarsely grated gruyere cheese

Directions

1. Heat 1/4 cup oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add leeks; sauté until soft and lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Add mushrooms, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and sauté until soft and liquid evaporates, 7 to 8 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. DO AHEAD Can be made 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
2. Preheat oven to 375°F Pat potato slices dry with kitchen towel. Combine cream, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in large pot. Add potatoes. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove lid; simmer until cream is reduced by about half and potatoes are partially cooked, stirring often and watching closely to prevent mixture from burning, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Brush 13x9x2-inch glass or ceramic baking dish with oil. Transfer half of potato mixture to dish, spreading out in even layer. Spoon mushroom mixture over in even layer. Spoon remaining potato mixture over, spreading in even layer. Sprinkle cheese over. Cover with foil, tenting in center to prevent cheese from sticking to foil. Bake 30 minutes. Uncover; bake until potatoes are tender and top is brown, 20 to 25 minutes longer. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.