bohemianwanderer – This leek and cheese croque monsieur is a perfect comfort dish, combining the richness of melted cheese with the savory depth of cooked leeks. The traditional French croque monsieur gets a twist with a creamy leek bechamel sauce. This dish, while simple, brings a satisfying balance of flavors, making it ideal for any occasion. It’s also easy to prepare, requiring minimal prep time and offering a rich, indulgent result.
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The first step to making this delightful sandwich is to cook the leeks. Begin by trimming and finely slicing 2 leeks, which should weigh around 300g. Add the leeks to a medium saucepan with 2 peeled and finely sliced garlic cloves, along with 60g of unsalted butter. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper, then sauté over a medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally, letting the leeks soften and cook down until they become sticky and aromatic. This slow cooking process will enhance the flavors and develop the base of your sauce.
Preparing the Bechamel and Assembling the Croque Monsieur
Once the leeks are cooked, it’s time to make the creamy bechamel sauce. Start by adding 60g of plain flour to the leek mixture. Stir and cook for about a minute, creating a roux that will thicken the sauce. Slowly pour in 300ml of whole milk, and turn the heat up slightly. Whisk constantly to avoid lumps, and continue until the sauce thickens to a smooth consistency. Take the saucepan off the heat, then whisk in 1 heaped teaspoon of English mustard for an extra layer of flavor. Stir in two-thirds of the grated cheese—100g of comté and 60g of mature cheddar—and set the sauce aside.
While the sauce is cooling slightly, toast 8 slices of bread until golden. Butter one side of each slice generously. Lay four slices of toast buttered side down on a lined baking sheet, then spread each with a generous amount of the leek bechamel. Top each slice with another slice of toast, buttered side up. Finally, spread the remaining leek bechamel sauce over the top of each sandwich and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
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To finish, bake the croque monsieur in a preheated oven at 240°C (220°C fan)/475°F/gas mark 9 for 10-14 minutes, until golden, bubbling, and oozing with cheese. The result is a beautifully crispy, creamy, and indulgent sandwich that’s sure to please. The rich flavors and comforting texture make this dish irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
