RAINBOW CHARD AU GRATIN

RAINBOW CHARD AU GRATIN image

Provided by Ellen Bales

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 9

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6 to 8 bunch rainbow chard (or swiss chard)
salt
1 stick butter
1/2 c all purpose flour
5 c whole milk
freshly ground black pepper
nutmeg
2 bulbs roasted garlic, cloves squeezed from skins and pasted
4 c freshly shredded parmigiano-reggiano cheese

Steps:

1. Stem the chard, keeping the leaves whole. Add the chard to a large pot of salted boiling water and let the chard wilt. Boil the chard for 10 minutes; drain in a colander under cool water. Let drain and squeeze excess liquid in a clean towel. Chop.
2. Melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, and then whisk in the milk. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of freshly grated nutmeg. Stir in the roasted garlic paste. Thicken the sauce to coat the back of a spoon and adjust seasonings to taste.
3. Layer half the greens in a medium casserole dish. Top with half the sauce and half the cheese. Repeat layers, ending with the cheese. Bake in a preheated 400-degree oven on center rack for 20 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly and browned.
4. HOW TO MAKE GARLIC PASTE: Remove the skin from garlic bulbs and wash then thoroughly. Put them in a blender with just a little water. Blend on low speed until paste is formed. Remove from blender and use in recipe.