Leek with ham gratinated in cream sauce

Ingredients for 2 servings:

• 400 g leek
• 100 g ham, sliced
• 30 g butter
• 25 g flour
• 100 ml cream
• e.g. salt and pepper
• nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 60 g Gruyère cheese
• 200 ml liquid (leek stock)
• Fat for the mold

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 30 minutes; Total time approx. 50 minutes

Wash and trim the leeks, then cut each stalk into 4 pieces, each about 10 cm long. Cook in boiling water for 8 minutes. Drain and reserve the cooking water; you will need more. Wrap the leek pieces in the ham. Place in a greased baking dish. Preheat the oven to 180°C (fan oven). Melt the butter in a saucepan, sweat the flour in it, stir in 200 ml of the leek stock, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the cream and season the sauce with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and lemon zest. Pour over the leeks. Finely grate the cheese and sprinkle over the top. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Serve with rice, boiled potatoes, or couscous, if desired.