Teresa's Recipes
Creamy Endive and Leek Gratin
Indulge in this sumptuous creamy endive and leek gratin, a delightful blend of tender leeks and slightly bitter endives baked to perfection in a rich, cheesy sauce. Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb and Parmesan crust, this dish is not just a side; it's a celebration of flavors and textures that perfectly complements any main course. Originating from the classic French cuisine, gratins have long been cherished for their comforting and hearty nature, elevating simple ingredients into an elegant dish fit for any dining occasion.
Ingredients
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup, grated Gruyere cheese
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 large, cleaned and sliced Leeks
- 2 large, trimmed and quartered Endives
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Side Dish
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the quartered endives and sliced leeks, cooking for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly but not browned.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens, approximately 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
- In a lightly greased baking dish, layer the cooked endives and leeks. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the mixture generously over the top of the gratin.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy gratin as a rich side dish to elevate your meal.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic or shallots into the butter before adding the flour.
- Experiment with different cheeses, such as fontina or cheddar, for a unique twist.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the milk with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative.