Hatch Chile Croque Monsieur
Try this Hatch Chile Croque Monsieur recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Hatch Chile Croque Monsieur recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 clove garlic minced
- pepper
- salt
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup milk (i use 2%)
- for the sandwiches
- for the hatch chile cream sauce:
- 2 hatch chiles roasted seeded, and chopped (directions here)
- 1/4 cup grated monterrey jack
- 6-8 slices of bread
- deli sliced ham
- 3-4 slices of cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted hatch chiles
- 1/4 cup grated monterrey jack
- Carbohydrate 11.1845106170801 g
- Cholesterol 30.503125013081 mg
- Fat 11.5400200049349 g
- Fiber 0.166281245231628 g
- Protein 0.463915625051716 g
- Saturated Fat 7.29455125312533 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (29g)
- Sodium 82.6717500350449 mg
- Sugar 11.0182293718484 g
- Trans Fat 0.813440000345459 g
- Calories 146 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Over medium-low heat melt the butter and add the garlic. Stir until butter begins to bubble.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Stream in milk and whisk until smooth and then add the chiles.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, until thickened. Add Monterrey jack and whisk until melted. Remove from heat and add salt & pepper to taste.
- Lightly toasted slices of bread directly on the oven racks for ~2 minutes (just enough to make them a little more sturdy, not brown).
- Place a rack over a baking sheet.
- To build the sandwiches, lay half the slices of bread on the rack and top each with sliced ham.
- Spoon hatch cream sauce over the ham.
- Top with sliced cheese, remaining chiles, and the other slices of bread.
- Spoon the remaining cream sauce over the tops of the sandwich, cover with the remaining grated cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 5 minutes and then switch the broiler on for 1-2 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and browning.
- Serve with a knife and fork
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: Hatch Chile Croque Monsieur
As a busy business woman, my life revolves around deadlines, meetings, and the constant hum of my laptop. Finding time for elaborate cooking is a luxury I rarely afford myself. However, a recent trip to New Mexico completely changed my perspective on quick, satisfying meals. The vibrant flavors and unique ingredients of the Southwest ignited a culinary spark within me, and I returned home with a mission: to recreate the magic in my own kitchen. My discovery? The surprisingly simple, yet incredibly delicious, Hatch Chile Croque Monsieur.
The inspiration struck amidst the bustling Santa Fe farmer’s market. The air was thick with the aroma of roasting chiles, a fragrance both smoky and sweet. I sampled various Hatch chiles, each one bursting with a unique blend of heat and flavor. I knew instantly that these fiery beauties had to find their way into my repertoire. I purchased a generous amount, imagining the countless possibilities they held. Little did I know I would stumble upon this perfect combination that would change my lunch routine forever.
The Croque Monsieur, a classic French comfort food, is already a personal favorite. Its simple elegance, the melty cheese, and the crisp bread always hits the spot. But the addition of Hatch chiles? This was a game-changer. The chiles brought a welcome layer of smokiness and warmth, complementing the richness of the ham and cheese. The cream sauce, infused with the subtle heat of the chiles, added a luscious touch that elevated the entire dish to new heights. The result was a culinary masterpiece – a perfect blend of familiar comfort and unexpected zest.
Now, back in my usual routine, I find myself making this Hatch Chile Croque Monsieur almost weekly. It's the ideal quick lunch or a satisfying dinner when I’m short on time. The preparation is surprisingly easy; even on the busiest days, I can whip up this delectable sandwich in under 30 minutes. The speed and simplicity are a huge plus for a working professional like myself, yet the results are far from mundane. This recipe is a testament to how even a simple dish can become extraordinary with the right ingredients and a dash of creativity.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I encourage you to experiment with different types of cheese, perhaps a sharp cheddar or a creamy Gruyere, to find your perfect combination. The amount of chiles can be adjusted to your preference; if you’re not a fan of intense heat, start with a smaller quantity and gradually increase it to your liking. Don’t be afraid to get creative! The possibilities are endless. This recipe is so versatile that you can adapt it to match the flavours and ingredients that you like the most.
This isn't just a recipe; it’s a reminder that culinary adventures can be found even in the midst of a busy schedule. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients to create something extraordinary, and a celebration of the vibrant flavors I discovered on my travels. So, grab some Hatch chiles (or your favorite chiles), gather your ingredients, and embark on your own culinary adventure with this unforgettable Hatch Chile Croque Monsieur.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Freshly ground pepper
- Salt
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 cup milk (2% is recommended)
- 2 roasted, seeded, and chopped Hatch chiles
- 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 6-8 slices of bread
- Deli-sliced ham
- 3-4 slices of cheese (your choice!)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted Hatch chiles
- 1/4 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
Enjoy the journey!
