Baked chicory

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• 4 chicory (thick)
• 2 liters of vegetable broth
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• salt and pepper
• 4 slices of beef ham
• 4 slices of cheese (medium Gouda)
• 30 g flour
• 30 g butter
• ⅛ liter vegetable broth
• ⅛ liter milk
• 125 g crème fraîche
• 200 g cheese (medium-aged Gouda)

Instructions

Working time approx. 30 minutes; Total time approx. 30 minutes

Wash the chicory and remove the bitter stalk. Cook in boiling vegetable stock for 15 minutes. Remove and drain. Drizzle with lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Halve the chicory lengthwise. Place a slice of ham and cheese between each half and tie with string or secure with toothpicks. For the sauce, sauté the flour and butter. Deglaze with the stock and milk. Simmer gently for 10 minutes (adding a little more stock and milk if necessary), occasionally adding a handful of grated Gouda cheese. Stir in the crème fraîche and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Pour the sauce over the chicory and sprinkle with freshly grated cheese. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes, briefly grilling for a gratin if necessary. Tastes delicious with a green salad, a light red wine, or simply beer.