Ingredients:
- Tea Rubs: 1 tablespoon (a blend of black tea leaves, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar)
- Bacon: 8 slices, chopped
- Potatoes: 4 large, peeled and thinly sliced
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Grated Parmesan cheese: 1 cup
- Salt: to taste
- Black pepper: to taste
- Green onions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Fresh parsley: a handful, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Rubs: In a small bowl, mix the black tea leaves, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar. Crush the tea leaves lightly with a mortar and pestle or use a spice grinder to create a fine blend.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté the Potatoes: Add the sliced potatoes to the skillet with the bacon fat. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook the potatoes until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Bake: In a large baking dish, layer half of the potatoes, followed by the cooked bacon, and then the remaining potatoes. Drizzle the heavy cream over the potatoes.
- Season and Sprinkle: Sprinkle the tea rubs evenly over the potatoes, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Dish: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the top is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- The tea rubs add a unique aroma and depth of flavor to the dish, complementing the traditional flavors of bacon and potatoes.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of your favorite barbecue sauce or a touch of hot sauce to the tea rubs.
- This Potato and Bacon Bake with Tea Rubs recipe is perfect for a cozy weekend lunch or a comforting dinner. The addition of tea rubs creates a memorable and aromatic twist on a classic comfort food.