Chicory Witlof with Gruyere and Ham
Elevate your next meal with the comforting flavors of Chicory Witlof with Gruyere and Ham, a classic dish that combines creamy decadence with savory simplicity. Perfectly tender chicory (witlof) is gently simmered and wrapped in thin slices of ham, then blanketed with a luscious homemade Gruyere cheese sauce enriched with nutmeg for a subtle hint of warmth. Baked to golden, bubbling perfection, this dish is a delicious blend of textures—soft, creamy interiors with a cheesy, crisp topping. Ideal as an elegant main course or a hearty side dish, this recipe is both simple to prepare and rich in flavor, making it a showstopper for any dinner table.
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Ingredients
- 4 heads chicory (witlof)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1.5 cups Gruyere cheese, grated
- 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 4 slices ham slices
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 cups water
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2
Trim the outer leaves and cut off the base of the chicory heads to remove any tough ends.
Step 3
In a large pot, bring the water, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice to a boil. Add the chicory heads and simmer for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 4
While the chicory is cooling, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux (paste).
Step 5
Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, whisking often, until the sauce thickens.
Step 6
Stir in the grated Gruyere cheese, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Remove from heat once the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 7
Wrap each cooled chicory head in a slice of ham and place them in a greased baking dish, seam-side down.
Step 8
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the wrapped chicory heads. Sprinkle extra grated Gruyere on top, if desired, for added cheesiness.
Step 9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 10
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chicory Witlof with Gruyere and Ham!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2567.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1715.4 |
| Total Fat 116.8g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 65.1g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g | |
| Cholesterol 365.1mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5263.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 72.6g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 16.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 33.5g | |
| Protein 99.1g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 224.8IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2557.9mg | 0% |
| Iron 5.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3262.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories