Baked Leeks and Ham Slices au Gratin

Name: Baked Leeks and Ham Slices au Gratin
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 large leeks; Salt to taste; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 tablespoons flour; 2 1/2 cups milk; Freshly ground pepper to taste; 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 egg yolk; 8 slices boiled ham, about 3/4 pound; 2 tablespoons chopped shallots; 3 tablespoons grated Gruyere or pecorino cheese

By Pierre Franey

Total Time: 40 minutes
Rating: 4(6)
Comments: Read comments

Featured in: 60-Minute Gourmet

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Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

8large leeks
Salt to taste
4tablespoons butter
4tablespoons flour
2½cups milk
Freshly ground pepper to taste
¼teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
⅛teaspoon cayenne pepper
1egg yolk
8slices boiled ham, about ¾ pound
2tablespoons chopped shallots
3tablespoons grated Gruyere or pecorino cheese

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Preparation

Step 1
Preheat oven to 475 degrees.
Step 2
Cut off the top of the leeks, leaving 2 inches of the green part. Trim off the root ends at the base. Rinse leeks thoroughly in cold water to remove sand.
Step 3
Place leeks in a pot, cover with water and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil and simmer for 8 minutes. Drain and chill.
Step 4
Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a saucepan. Add flour, stirring with a wire whisk. When blended add milk, stirring rapidly with whisk. Add salt, pepper, nutmeg and cayenne and blend. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add egg yolk, stirring briskly.
Step 5
Heat the remaining tablespoon butter in a skillet. Add leeks and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook briefly, turning to heat evenly. Place each leek on a slice of ham, at an end.
Step 6
Carefully roll the ham up to form a roulade.
Step 7
Sprinkle shallots in the bottom of a baking dish measuring 11 by 8 inches. Place the roulades close together in a row. Spoon sauce on top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 10 minutes or until hot and bubbling and nicely glazed on top.