Dominica Christophene Gratin
A creamy and savory baked dish featuring christophene (chayote squash) in a rich cheese sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It's a comforting and flavorful side dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 3 pounds Christophene (Chayote)(peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups Milk
- 1.5 cups Grated cheese(e.g., Cheddar or Gruyere, divided)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper(or to taste)
- 1/3 cup Breadcrumbs(plain or panko)
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg(freshly grated (optional))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the cubed christophene and cook until tender, about 10-15 minutes.
💡 Tip: Do not overcook; the christophene should be tender but not mushy. - 2
Drain the christophene well and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
💡 Tip: Ensuring the christophene is well-drained prevents a watery gratin. - 3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
💡 Tip: Cook the aromatics gently to release their flavor without browning. - 4
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
💡 Tip: Cooking the flour removes its raw taste. - 5
Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Bring to a gentle simmer.
💡 Tip: Add milk slowly to prevent lumps. - 6
Stir in 1 cup of the grated cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 7
Add the drained christophene to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure all christophene pieces are coated in the sauce. - 8
Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
💡 Tip: A mix of cheese and breadcrumbs provides a lovely crust. - 9
Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
💡 Tip: If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil. - 10
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
💡 Tip: Resting allows the gratin to set slightly.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Christophene can be substituted with chayote squash or even zucchini.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheeses.
- ✓This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
🔄 Variations
- Add some finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives to the sauce.
- Incorporate some cooked ham or bacon bits for a non-vegetarian version.