Savory Flageolet Bean Gratin with Prosciutto
Experience the rich flavors of this Savory Flageolet Bean Gratin, a delightful twist on classic French baked beans. Perfectly combined with tender prosciutto and aromatic herbs, this dish is expertly simmered to achieve creamy beans enveloped in a savory sauce. Topped with golden, crunchy breadcrumbs, this casserole pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted meats, especially lamb, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or special dinners. Whether you're enjoying a cozy family meal or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried flageolet beans
2 cups (soaked overnight in cold water)
Medium onion
1 (minced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
Prosciutto
1/2 lb (end cut or sliced)
Bouquet garni
1 (prepared with parsley, bay leaf, sage, and thyme)
Chicken stock
6 cups (homemade and unsalted preferably)
Tomatoes
2 (peeled, seeded, and chopped (or 1 cup canned diced))
White bread
4 slices (slightly stale, crust removed)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flageolet beans?
Flageolet beans are small, pale green beans often used in French cuisine, known for their creamy texture and delicate flavor.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried?
While dried beans soaked overnight provide the best texture, you can substitute canned flageolet beans if you are short on time.
How long should I soak the dried beans?
The dried flageolet beans should be soaked overnight in cold water to ensure even cooking.
What type of prosciutto is best for this gratin?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of prosciutto, which can be either end cuts or sliced, depending on your preference for texture.
What herbs are in the bouquet garni?
The bouquet garni for this recipe is prepared with parsley, bay leaf, sage, and thyme.
What type of chicken stock is recommended?
Homemade and unsalted chicken stock is preferred to control the saltiness and depth of flavor.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
If using fresh tomatoes, they should be peeled, seeded, and chopped. Alternatively, you can use 1 cup of canned diced tomatoes.
What kind of bread should I use for the topping?
Use slightly stale white bread with the crusts removed to create the perfect crunchy breadcrumb topping.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, which is used in divided amounts throughout the recipe.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
By omitting the prosciutto and substituting the chicken stock with vegetable broth, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian.
What meat pairs well with Flageolet Bean Gratin?
This dish is an ideal accompaniment for grilled or roasted meats, particularly lamb.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 minced garlic cloves for aromatic flavor.
Do I need to mince the onion?
Yes, one medium onion should be minced to blend smoothly into the savory sauce.
How many cups of beans are needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of dried flageolet beans.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features creamy beans in a savory sauce topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust.
Can I use fresh bread for the topping?
Stale bread is preferred because it toasts better into crunchy crumbs, but fresh bread can be used if dried out slightly in the oven first.
How much chicken stock is used?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of chicken stock to simmer the beans.
What is a bouquet garni used for?
It is a bundle of herbs used to infuse the beans and stock with aromatic flavors during the simmering process.
Is this a traditional French recipe?
Yes, this gratin is a delightful twist on classic French baked beans.
How do I achieve a golden topping?
The breadcrumbs on top of the casserole will turn golden and crunchy when baked in the oven.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as comfort food, specifically a gratin or casserole side dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beans in advance and add the breadcrumb topping just before the final baking step.
Is the prosciutto cooked with the beans?
Yes, the prosciutto is simmered with the beans to impart a salty, savory depth to the dish.
Should I remove the crusts from the bread?
Yes, removing the crusts ensures the topping has a uniform, delicate crunch.
Can I use other types of beans?
While flageolet beans are traditional for their texture, navy beans or cannellini beans can be used as substitutes.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified, given the 2 cups of dried beans and 6 cups of stock, it typically serves 6 to 8 people as a side.
What is the role of garlic in this recipe?
Garlic provides an essential aromatic base that enhances the savory profile of the bean sauce.
Is this dish dairy-free?
As written, this recipe is dairy-free, provided the bread used does not contain dairy ingredients.
Why is the chicken stock unsalted?
Unsalted stock is used because the prosciutto already adds a significant amount of salt to the dish.
Can I serve this as a main course?
While intended as a side, the addition of prosciutto and protein-rich beans makes it substantial enough for a light main course.