Endive Gratin with Ham

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!

 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.