Belgian Chicory Gratin with Smoked Salmon and Cheese
A comforting, pescatarian adaptation of the classic Belgian 'witloof met hesp', wrapping tender chicory in rich smoked salmon under a golden cheese sauce.
Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
Makes about
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by Seb + Lila
Seb created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Clearer, simpler choices
Let the recipe do the thinking
Clear steps and a complete plate mean fewer decisions when focus is in short supply—and a more substantial meal once you are done.
Notice: focus + energy later
More staying power
Make the next few hours easier
This meal is built to be more sustaining than a snack-sized stopgap, with enough substance to carry you into the next part of the day.
Notice: energy + fullness later
A steadier pause
Trade food decisions for a clear plan
A straightforward recipe and a satisfying meal can make one part of a busy day feel settled, even when the rest is noisy.
Notice: hunger + energy later
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Oven · Saucepan · Whisk
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 6 steps complete
Next: Steam or boil the chicory heads for…
- 01
Steam or boil the chicory heads for…
Steam or boil the chicory heads for about 10 minutes until they are tender. Drain them thoroughly and press out excess water gently.
Look for: they are tender
Tap card to mark done - 02
Whisk the semi-skimmed milk and cornstarch together
In a small saucepan, whisk the semi-skimmed milk and cornstarch together. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
Look for: the sauce thickens
Tap card to mark done - 03
Remove the sauce from the heat
Remove the sauce from the heat, stir in three-quarters of the grated gruyere cheese, and season with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and black pepper.
Tap card to mark done - 04
Wrap each cooked chicory head in slices…
Wrap each cooked chicory head in slices of smoked salmon.
Tap card to mark done - 05
Place the wrapped chicory in a small…
Place the wrapped chicory in a small baking dish, pour the warm cheese sauce over them, and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Tap card to mark done - 06
Broil in a preheated oven at 400°F…
Broil in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
Look for: the top is bubbling and golden brown
Tap card to mark done
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