Vegan Endives au Jambon-Style Bake

Vegan Endives au Jambon-Style Bake

Classic DishEndives au jambon

Prep: 30 min • Cook: 40 min. This plant-based take on the classic French dish features tender endives wrapped in a smoky 'ham' alternative, smothered in a rich, creamy dairy-free béchamel sauce thickened with cashews, and finished with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, all baked to golden perfection.

Preparation time
30 min
Cooking time
40 min
Total time
1 hr 10 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Prepare the Béchamel

  1. 1If making cashew cream from scratch, soak 1 cup of raw cashews in hot water for at least 1 hour, then drain. Blend with 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fresh water until very smooth and creamy.
  2. 2In a saucepan, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 3Whisk in the cashew cream and vegetable broth until well combined.
  4. 4Stir in the nutritional yeast and freshly grated nutmeg. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a béchamel consistency.

Assemble and Bake

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. 2Trim the bitter core from the endives and carefully wrap each half with a slice of smoked tofu, securing with a toothpick if needed.
  3. 3Arrange the wrapped endives in a baking dish.
  4. 4Pour the prepared béchamel sauce evenly over the endives.
  5. 5If using, sprinkle the shredded vegan cheese over the top.
  6. 6Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the endives are tender and the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  7. 7Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove any toothpicks.

Nutrition Information

Calories
351 kcal
Protein
15 g
Fat
25 g
Carbs
18 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories351 kcal
Protein15 g
Fat25 g
Carbs18 g

Tips

  • Ensure your cashew cream is very smooth for the best béchamel texture. A high-speed blender is recommended.
  • Adjust the amount of vegetable broth to achieve your desired béchamel sauce thickness before baking.
  • Serve hot as a vegetarian main course or a substantial side dish, perhaps with crusty bread.

By Chef Michael Ilin