Endive Gratin with Ham and Munster Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 5 large endives
• 4 slices of cooked ham, diced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups grated Munster cheese
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Trim off the end of the endives and remove any wilted outer leaves. Cut the endives in half lengthwise.
3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the endives for 5 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
4. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to make a roux.
5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Add the Munster cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to the sauce and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Place the blanched endives in a large baking dish. Top with the diced ham.
8. Pour the Munster sauce over the endives and ham.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Verdict:

This endive gratin with ham and Munster sauce is a comforting and satisfying dish with a rich and creamy flavor. The earthy bitterness of the endives is balanced by the sweetness of the ham and the creaminess of the cheese sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner party or a special occasion!

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot out of the oven with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad to lighten up the dish. This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling.