How to make a real croque monsieur

Eat like a local Paris features all the places you really need to eat at during a city trip. In the mood for a Parisian classic at home? Then make this deliciously cheesy and creamy croque monsieur.

A luxurious and comforting dish that you can order in all Parisian cafés. Serve it with an arugula salad with a light dressing and you have the perfect lunch. You can freeze any leftover béchamel sauce for the next time you’re craving a croque.

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220 °C. Make the béchamel sauce: melt the butter in a saucepan over
medium heat. When the butter starts to foam, add the wheat flour and cook, stirring, for one minute. Add the milk in three portions, whisking vigorously so you don’t get any lumps. Once all the milk has been incorporated into the sauce, add the nutmeg and keep stirring until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

2. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the gruyere, season with salt and pepper, and leave to cool slightly.

3. Assemble the croque monsieur: spread the mustard over one slice of white bread. Place the ham on top and spread with 2 tablespoons of béchamel sauce. Place the other slice of bread on top and spread with one tablespoon of béchamel sauce.

4. Sprinkle with the grated gruyere and bake in the oven for 10–15 minutes, until the croque is browned and bubbling.

Title: Eat like a local Paris
Price: €12.50
Publisher: Kosmos
Published on 26 February 2019