Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 leeks, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Montasio cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch baking dish
- Large skillet
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 10 minutes.
3. Sprinkle the flour over the leeks and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the Montasio cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the gratin is bubbling.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 280
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 11g
Sodium: 300mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Montasio cheese can be substituted with Gruyere or Parmesan cheese.
- Whole milk can be substituted with low-fat milk or almond milk.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meatier version.
- Substitute leeks with onions or shallots.
- Add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the leeks thinly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use a whisk to ensure there are no lumps in the sauce.
- Let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the gratin in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the gratin is too runny, add more breadcrumbs to the top before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to thoroughly wash the leeks before slicing and cooking.
Food history:
Montasio cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
The Montasio cheese adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the dish, while the leeks add a mild onion flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve as a side dish or as a main course with a side salad.
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Region: Italian