🥬 Mon chicon gratin du Nord

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making "Mon chicon gratin du Nord," a delicious French dish featuring endives and a creamy cheese sauce. This recipe, presented by chef Philippe Etchebest, is perfect for those looking to expand their culinary repertoire with a comforting and flavorful dish.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients:

• Endives (chicons)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (preferably Gruyère)
• Nutmeg
• Salt and pepper
• Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Practical Tips

• Use fresh endives for the best flavor.
• Gruyère cheese adds a rich taste, but you can substitute with other melting cheeses if desired.

Step 2: Prepare the Endives

1. Trim and Clean:

   • Cut off the base of each endive and remove any damaged outer leaves.
   • Rinse the endives under cold water to remove dirt.

2. Blanch the Endives:

   • Place the endives in a pot of boiling salted water.
   • Blanch for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
   • Drain and set aside.

Common Pitfalls

• Avoid overcooking the endives; they should be slightly firm since they will be baked later.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Create a Roux:

   • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Add an equal amount of flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste.

2. Add Milk:

   • Gradually whisk in milk to avoid lumps.
   • Continue cooking while stirring until the sauce thickens.

3. Season and Add Cheese:

   • Add grated cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for flavor.

Practical Tips

• For a richer sauce, consider using half cream and half milk.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Layer the Endives:

   • Place the blanched endives in a baking dish, tightly packed.

2. Pour Sauce Over Endives:

   • Evenly pour the cheese sauce over the endives, ensuring they are well coated.

3. Add Toppings:

   • Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture, if desired.

Step 5: Bake the Gratin

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 392°F).

2. Bake:

   • Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Practical Tips

• Keep an eye on the gratin during the last few minutes to prevent burning.

Conclusion

You’ve now prepared "Mon chicon gratin du Nord," a delightful dish that showcases the unique flavor of endives. Serve it as a side dish or a main course, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness. Feel free to share your creation on social media using the hashtag #programmementor, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheeses or spices to make this dish your own!