Cardoon Gratin (lyonnaise-style Gratin De Cardons)

Cardoon Gratin, also known as Gratin de Cardons, is a classic dish from Lyonnaise cuisine. This creamy and flavorful gratin is made with tender cardoon stalks, a bechamel sauce, and a cheesy topping, creating a comforting and satisfying side dish or vegetarian main course.

Cardoon Gratin (lyonnaise-style Gratin De Cardons)

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs (1.4 kg) cardoon stalks, trimmed and peeled
  • 4 cups (1 L) milk
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil the cardoon stalks in a large pot of salted water for 15 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, heat the milk until hot but not boiling.
  4. In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to make a roux.
  5. Gradually pour the hot milk into the roux, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
  6. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  7. Arrange the boiled cardoon stalks in a greased baking dish, then pour the bechamel sauce over the top.
  8. Sprinkle the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
280 per serving
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
20g
Fat
16g

Supplies

Baking dish Saucepan Whisk

Tools

Oven

Serving suggestions

Serve the Cardoon Gratin as a side dish with roasted chicken or as a main course with a green salad.

Tips & tricks

To make the preparation easier, you can purchase pre-trimmed and peeled cardoon stalks from specialty grocery stores.

Cost

$15