Gratin de Chouchou (Mauritian Chayote Gratin)
A comforting and creamy baked dish featuring chayote (chouchou) cooked in a béchamel-like sauce, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish. It's a popular side dish in Mauritian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 5 large Chayote (Chouchou)(peeled, seeded, and diced)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 300 ml Milk
- 150 g Cheddar cheese(grated)
- 60 g Mozzarella cheese(grated (optional, for extra cheesiness))
- Breadcrumbs(for topping)
- Fresh parsley(chopped, for garnish)
- few Thyme sprigs
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 1 pinch Nutmeg(optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chayote: Peel the chayote, cut them in half, remove the seeds, and dice into bite-sized pieces. Boil them in salted water until tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain well.
- 2
Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, ensuring no lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring, until the sauce thickens.
- 4
Add most of the grated cheddar cheese (reserving some for topping), nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- 5
Combine: Add the drained chayote to the cheese sauce and mix gently to coat.
- 6
Assemble and bake: Pour the chayote mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- 7
Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot as a side dish.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓You can add other vegetables like potatoes or leeks to the gratin.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use a mix of cheeses.
- ✓If you don't have breadcrumbs, crushed savory biscuits can be used as a topping.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include a pinch of nutmeg for added warmth.
- Can be prepared without an oven by topping with crushed savory biscuits and cheese mixed directly into the preparation.