6 endives
6 slices of Paris ham (good quality)
60 cl of fresh whole milk
50 g of butter
40 g of cornstarch (or flour for a classic version)
1 large tablespoon of cream cheese spread (optional)
1 large pinch of grated nutmeg
Grated Gruyère cheese (or Parmesan, Grana Padano, etc.)
Salt and pepper
🔪 Preparation
1️⃣ Cooking the endives
Remove the outer leaves from the endives if necessary and trim the base slightly.
Cook them in a large pot of boiling salted water for 20 minutes at a simmer.
Drain thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water.
💡 Tip: Add a little lemon juice to the water to prevent them from browning.
2️⃣ Preparing the Béchamel Sauce
In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
With flour: Add the flour and mix until a light golden roux is obtained.
With cornstarch: Dissolve it in 10 cl of cold milk before adding it to the melted butter.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking and let it thicken over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
Add the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Off the heat, stir in the cream cheese spread (optional) for extra creaminess.
3️⃣ Assembling the Gratin
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan-assisted).
Pour 1/3 of the béchamel sauce into the bottom of a gratin dish.
Wrap each endive in a slice of ham and place them in the dish.
Top with the remaining béchamel sauce and sprinkle generously with grated cheese.
4️⃣ Cooking and Serving
Bake for 20 minutes, until the top is nicely browned.
Serve warm, with a green salad for extra freshness.
⭐ Tips & Variations
Lighter version: Steam the endives instead of boiling them to preserve their nutrients.
Even more indulgent: Add a little cream to the béchamel sauce or sprinkle with grilled bacon before baking.
Make-ahead: This dish can be prepared several hours in advance and reheated in the oven, adding a little milk to prevent it from drying out.
Cooking alternative: Some prefer to sauté the endives in a little butter instead of boiling them. It’s not only tastier, but also richer!
❤️ Conclusion
A warm and comforting dish, perfect for winter evenings or a family meal. The combination of melt-in-the-mouth endive, ham, and béchamel sauce is a pure delight! So, get cooking and enjoy! 😊
