Croque Monsieur with Simple Salad
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS:
Croque Monsieur
- 12oz country ham, preferably assorted Newsom’s Kentucky Country Ham varieties
- 8oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 tbs butter
- 2 tbs all purpose flour
- 1 and ¼ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup wholegrain mustard, divided
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- pinch nutmeg
- 8 thick slices sandwich bread
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- pickles for serving
Simple Salad
- 3 cups mâche greens
- 3 cups frisée greens
- ½ lemon
- 2 tbs good olive oil
- Maldon salt
- black pepper
PREPARATION:
Croque Monsieur
Preheat the oven to 425°. Place a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the butter and, once melted, whisk in the flour, mixing until smooth and no lumps remain. Continue to whisk often, for one to two minutes more, before slowly adding the milk, whisking constantly to combine. I find a wooden spoon can work well here too, helping to grab any clumps that may have formed in the edges of the pan. Allow to cook over medium-low heat for an additional five minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a wooden spoon (you should be able to run your finger down the back of the spoon, leaving a clean line). Remove from the heat and whisk in one tbs wholegrain mustard, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Set aside.
Place four slices of bread on a large rimmed baking sheet. These slices are the base of the sandwich. Spread remaining mustard over the bread and then top with a layer of the bechamel, spreading the sauce over the entire surface of each slice. Layer the ham on top of the bechamel. Divide the grated cheese in half, setting one half to the side. Take the other half and divide it over the four sandwich slices. Place the remaining four slices of bread on a work surface and spread remaining bechamel sauce over the entire surface of each slice. Keeping the bechamel side facing up, use these slices of bread to top the ham sandwich bases. Use the reserved cheese to top each sandwich. Transfer to the oven and bake until the cheese is melting and beginning to brown, about eight minutes. Finish the sandwiches under the broiler for maximum bubbling-cheese effect. Serve with pickles and simple salad alongside.
Simple Salad
Place mâche and frisée in a large bowl. Squeeze the juice from ½ lemon over top and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of maldon salt and several cracks from fresh ground pepper. Toss to combine and taste, adjusting seasonings to taste. Serve alongside croque monsieur sandwiches.
From Season 5, Episode 1