Endive Gratin with Ham

Name: Endive Gratin with Ham - Tincuta G.
Ingredients: For 3 people: 6 endives; 6 slices of ham; 150 ml of milk; 150 ml of sour cream; 100 grams of Comté cheese; grated; 2 teaspoons of cornstarch; optional: juice of one lemon; salt; pepper; nutmeg; to taste.

Diverse - Endive Gratin with Ham by Tincuta G. - Recipia

Endive Gratin with Ham: a refined and comforting dish Welcome to the world of flavors and textures, where endives and ham come together in a delicious culinary dance! The endive gratin with ham is a recipe that combines the health benefits of vegetables with the savory taste of meat, resulting in a dish that can delight the taste buds of both young and old. This recipe is not only tasty but also simple, perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious gratin! Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 minutes Number of servings: 3 Necessary ingredients: - 6 fresh endives - 6 slices of ham (preferably high quality) - 150 ml milk - 150 ml cream - 100 g grated Comté cheese - 2 teaspoons of cornstarch - Juice of one lemon (optional, to reduce bitterness) - Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste Nutritional aspects and benefits: Endives are low-calorie vegetables, rich in fiber and vitamins. They aid digestion and have antioxidant properties. Ham, on the other hand, adds a savory note, being a good source of protein. Comté cheese, with its distinctive flavor, perfectly complements this dish, providing a creamy and savory taste. Step by step - Preparing the endive gratin with ham: 1. Preparing the endives: - Start by cleaning the endives, cutting off the ends and removing any outer leaves that are not in good condition. - Put a large pot of water on the stove and add a teaspoon of salt. When the water starts to boil, add the endives. If you want to reduce the characteristic bitterness of endives, also add the lemon juice. - Boil the endives for 20-30 minutes, until a fork easily pierces them. Drain them and let them drain well in a colander to avoid a too wet gratin. 2. Preparing the sauce: - In a bowl, add the cornstarch and gradually pour in the cold milk, whisking to avoid lumps. - Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and place it on low heat, stirring constantly. After a few minutes, you will notice the sauce starting to thicken, reaching the consistency of a pudding. - Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and add the cream. Mix well and return to the heat, allowing it to simmer gently. - Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and grated nutmeg to taste. Finally, add the grated Comté cheese and stir until completely melted. 3. Assembling the gratin: - Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. - Wrap each drained endive in a slice of ham, securing them with a toothpick. - In a heat-resistant dish, pour half of the prepared sauce. Place the ham-wrapped endives on top of the sauce, then add the remaining sauce over them. 4. Baking: - Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the gratin turns golden and bubbly. - Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serving: The endive gratin with ham is served warm, accompanied by a glass of white wine or even a Beaujolais, which will perfectly complement the flavors of this dish. A simple green salad can add a pleasant contrast and a note of freshness. Variations and suggestions: If you want to explore new flavors, you can replace Comté cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different texture. Also, for a more intense flavor, try adding a few slices of mushrooms or sautéed onions to the cheese sauce. Frequently asked questions: 1. Can I use other types of meat instead of ham? - Absolutely! You can try bacon, chicken breast, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. 2. How can I make the sauce creamier? - Adding a larger amount of cream or even a tablespoon of butter will enrich the texture of the sauce. 3. What can I do if I don't have cornstarch? - You can use flour to thicken the sauce, but you will need to cook it a bit longer to eliminate the raw flour taste. Enjoy this endive gratin with ham, a recipe that blends tradition with innovation, offering you a dish that is not only tasty but also full of nutrients, perfect for any occasion. Bon appétit!