Creamy and Savory Sweet Pumpkin Cheese Gratin
[Mood & Cook #.45] Boost Your Immunity! The Power of Yellow: Sweet Pumpkin Cheese Gratin
* This recipe was provided as part of the National Health Insurance Service expert writer program in March 2020. *
Ingredients- 1/2 medium-sized pumpkin
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 button mushrooms, chopped
- 1.5 Tbsp butter
- 1.5 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 200ml milk (approx. 1 cup)
- 100g mozzarella cheese (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the vegetables for the gratin. Finely mince the garlic, and chop the onion and mushrooms into small pieces. Heat a pan over medium-low heat with a little oil. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté until fragrant. Once the onion begins to turn translucent, add the chopped mushrooms. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until the vegetables soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 2
Next, we’ll make a smooth Béchamel sauce. Melt 1.5 Tbsp of butter in a pan over low heat. Once the butter is fully melted, sift in 1.5 Tbsp of flour and whisk continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. When it thickens, gradually pour in 200ml of milk, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth consistency. Keep whisking until the sauce is thick and smooth. This forms our Béchamel sauce. Remember to add the milk little by little to avoid lumps.
Step 3
When making the Béchamel sauce, adding cold milk all at once can cause lumps due to the sudden temperature change. It’s best to use warm milk, or if using cold milk, be sure to add it in small increments while whisking continuously. This careful process will result in a wonderfully smooth and creamy Béchamel sauce.
Step 4
Now it’s time to prepare the star ingredient: the sweet pumpkin. Take half of a medium-sized pumpkin and steam it for about 15-20 minutes until very tender. Once cooked, remove it from the steamer, let it cool slightly, and peel off the skin. While it’s still warm, mash it thoroughly with a fork or a masher until it forms a smooth puree. This mashed pumpkin will be naturally sweet and creamy.
Step 5
In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet pumpkin with the sautéed vegetables and the prepared Béchamel sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix everything together thoroughly. Ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated for a harmonious blend of flavors – the sweetness of the pumpkin, the savory notes of the vegetables, and the creaminess of the Béchamel.
Step 6
Spoon the sweet pumpkin mixture into your oven-safe gratin dish. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Generously sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top. Adding plenty of cheese will give you that satisfying cheesy pull when it’s baked!
Step 7
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the gratin dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Baking time may vary depending on your oven. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and beautifully browned.
Step 8
Enjoy your warm and cheesy Sweet Pumpkin Cheese Gratin! 🙂 It makes for a hearty meal or a delightful snack.
