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1. Peel and finely slice onions, pre-heat a large frying pan add the olive oil and half of the butter, add onions and sweat until translucent but not coloured.
2. Peel and finely chop garlic. Add the smoked bacon lardons (matchsticks of bacon) ; chopped thyme and garlic and cook over a medium heat until the bacon starts to brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Peel and slice the potatoes very thinly, with a mandolin or by hand, set aside.
4. In a large casserole dish arrange layers of the potatoes and cooked onions & bacon mixture - starting with potatoes and finishing with a layer of potatoes on top.
5. Pour the chicken stock over the top, melt the remaining butter and brush over the potatoes.
6. Bake in pre-heated oven at 160°C/375°F until the stock has reduced and the potatoes are soft when sliced with a knife - around 1 hour.
This is a classic French potato dish, and is a perfect accompaniment to lamb, chicken or pork dishes.
Is best cooked and served immediately. It can be left to rest for 20 minutes before serving, which will allow it to firm up a little.
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