Light and Flavorful Endives au Jambon
A Delicate Twist on a Classic French Dish
Embark on a culinary journey of discovery and refinement with this light and flavorful twist on the classic French dish, Endives au Jambon (ham-stuffed endives). Tender slices of ham, wrapped around delicate endive leaves, and smothered in a light creamy sauce, create a dish that is both elegant and satisfying. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe will delight your taste buds with every bite.
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Main Course
Recipe Cuisine:
French
Servings:
4 people
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
Although Endives au Jambon may not have been every French child's favorite dish growing up, it often holds a special place in their hearts as a cherished childhood memory. This timeless French dish, featuring endive leaves, ham, a delicate creamy sauce, and irresistibly melted cheese, expertly broiled for optimal flavor may have been met with skepticism at the dinner table, eliciting wrinkled noses and reluctant bites. This is mostly due to the bitterness that endives can sometimes have. However, despite these initial reservations, many French children eventually come to appreciate the unique flavors and textures of this dish.
For some, Endives au Jambon represents more than just a meal—it symbolizes family gatherings, cozy dinners, and the warmth of home. Memories of watching their parents lovingly prepare the dish, the tantalizing aroma wafting through the kitchen, and the anticipation of sharing a meal together create a sense of nostalgia that transcends taste preferences.
As adults, many French individuals fondly recall the times spent around the dining table, bonding with family over plates of Endives au Jambon. The dish becomes a symbol of tradition, comfort, and the enduring love that permeates family meals. Despite any childhood aversions, Endives au Jambon often becomes a beloved part of their culinary heritage, reminding them of the simple joys and cherished moments of their youth.
Step by Step Recipe Instruction Video:
Ingredients:
- 8 small endives
- 8 small slices of ham
- 230 ml (1 cup) of reduced-fat heavy cream
- 1 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 100 ml (1/2 cup) of water from boiled endives
- 1/2 tablespoon of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A dash of Nutmeg
- 100 gr (3.5 oz) of grated Emmental (tasty Swiss) cheese
Steps to make it:
Endives can sometimes have a slightly bitter taste, but there are several cooking tips you can use to help reduce or mitigate their bitterness. I used small white endives for this recipe because they are usually not bitter at all, so boiling them is enough.
Detailed Steps to Make Endives au Jambon
The Endives:
- Wash the endives, cut the stem and remove any damaged outer leaves, set them aside for later use.
- Boil the endives for 5 minutes.
- Remove the endives from the water and drain well by gently squeezing the water out.
- Keep the hot water for later use.
The sauce:
- Cut the removed endive leaves into small pieces.
- Using a frying pan, sauté the chopped leaves in butter until they become translucent.
- Add a sprinkle of flour.
- Add the cream.
- Mix well.
- Add some of the endive water if the sauce is too thick.
The Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a frying pan, melt butter and add sugar (to help with caramelization).
- Place the endives in the hot butter pan and cook on both sides until light golden brown and caramelized.
- Take out the endives, wrap each endive in a slice of ham, and place in a baking dish.
- Once all the endives are in the baking dish, pour the sauce on top evenly on the entire dish.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted to a delicious golden brown.
- Once done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Pairing Ideas:
- Because it already contains meat and vegetables, this dish is usually consumed by itself, with a slice of crusty French bread to absorb the delicious creamy sauce to the last drop.
- It can optionally be served with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a well-balanced meal.
- You can pair it with a light and fruity white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
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Nutritional information provided is an estimate only. Please consult the labels of ingredients you use for more accurate results. Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels.
