Endives Au Jambon
Dîner • France
À propos de Endives au Jambon
Endives wrapped in ham with béchamel sauce, gratinéed
How to Make Endives au Jambon (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Endives au Jambon is a beloved classic from France, often enjoyed as a comforting dinner during colder months. This dish originates from the northern regions of France, particularly in areas like Picardy and Nord-Pas-de-Calais, where endives are abundant. The recipe features tender Belgian endives wrapped in thin slices of ham, baked with a lighter béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. The result is a warming, savory casserole that perfectly balances the gentle bitterness of endives with the salty richness of ham and creamy sauce. Endives au Jambon is a staple of French home cooking, prized for its simplicity and robust flavors. It’s a great choice for those seeking an authentic taste of France while maintaining a balanced and health-conscious diet. The dish is very popular for family dinners and is often served alongside a crisp green salad. With its low carbohydrate and moderate protein content, it fits well into a variety of dietary plans. The unique taste of endives, paired with the traditional ingredients, makes this a memorable meal that brings the essence of French gastronomy to your kitchen.
Ingredients(for 1 baked endive roll per person)
- 4 Belgian endives (chicorée endive)
- 4 slices Low-sodium cooked ham (jambon blanc)
- 1 cup Skim milk (lait écrémé)
- 2 tablespoons Whole wheat flour (farine complète)
- 1/4 cup Grated light Emmental cheese (Emmental râpé)
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter (beurre doux)
- 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (noix de muscade)
- to taste Black pepper (poivre noir)
- to taste Salt (sel)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (persil frais) - optional
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Wash the endives, remove any wilted outer leaves, and trim the base.
5 minutes
Trimming the base prevents bitterness.
- 2
Steam the endives for 10 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain well and gently squeeze out excess water.
10 minutes
Proper drainage prevents a watery casserole.
- 3
Wrap each steamed endive in a slice of ham and place in a lightly greased baking dish.
2 minutes
Use thin ham slices for easier rolling.
- 4
Prepare the light béchamel: melt butter in a saucepan, add flour, and stir for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in skim milk, cooking until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
5 minutes
Whisk constantly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This healthy recipe version lowers calories by using skim milk, whole wheat flour, and light cheese. The fiber-rich endives support satiety and digestion, while lean ham provides quality protein. Reduced fat content makes it suitable for weight management, and its high nutrient density means more vitamins and minerals per serving. It’s an excellent option for those seeking authentic French cuisine with a nutritious twist.
Endives au Jambon is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium from the endives, while the ham adds protein. Skim milk and whole wheat flour in the béchamel reduce saturated fat and increase complex carbs. Emmental cheese is a source of calcium, and nutmeg offers antioxidants. This dish is low in carbohydrates and can fit into a balanced diet, supporting heart health and digestive wellness.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Squeeze the endives well after steaming to avoid a watery sauce.
- 💡Tip 2: Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
- 💡Tip 3: Adjust nutmeg and pepper based on your taste preference.
Storage & Serving
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Avoid freezing, as the endives may become watery.
Best served: Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 140.0 kcal |
| Protein | 12.0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5.0 g |
| Total Fat | 8.0 g |
| Fiber | 2.0 g |
