Discover the delicious flavors of Gratin de Christophine, a classic Caribbean dish featuring tender chayote squash baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines the mild sweetness of chayote with the savory goodness of cheese, perfect for a comforting side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Learn how to make this delightful gratin step by step for a taste of the Caribbean right in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

- 4 chayote squash (Christophine), peeled and sliced

- 2 tablespoons butter

- 1 small onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 1/2 cup grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese

- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

Prepare the Chayote: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced chayote squash and cook for about 10 minutes, until tender but still firm. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.

Assemble the Gratin: Arrange the cooked chayote slices in a greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top.

Add Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the gratin.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Remove the gratin from the oven, let it cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.

Enjoy your Gratin de Christophine as a delicious side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course!

Nutritional Values

Chayote Squash (Christophine):

- Calories: 25

- Carbohydrates: 6 grams

- Protein: 1 gram

- Fat: 0 grams

- Fiber: 2 grams

- Vitamin C: 12% of Daily Value (DV)

- Folate: 10% of DV

- Potassium: 6% of DV

Benefits:

- Low in calories, making it ideal for weight management.

- Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and skin health.

- High in fiber, aiding digestion and maintaining healthy bowel movements.

- Good source of folate, important for DNA synthesis and cell division.

Butter:

- Calories: 102

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 12 grams

- Saturated Fat: 7 grams

- Vitamin A: 11% of DV

Benefits:

- Provides vitamin A, which supports vision, immune function, and skin health.

- Contains healthy fats, providing energy and supporting cell function. Should be consumed in moderation due to high saturated fat content.

Onion:

- Calories: 44

- Carbohydrates: 10 grams

- Protein: 1 gram

- Fat: 0 grams

- Fiber: 2 grams

- Vitamin C: 8% of DV

- Folate: 7% of DV

Benefits:

- Rich in antioxidants like quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

- Supports heart health by potentially reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

- Boosts immune function due to its vitamin C content.

Garlic:

- Calories: 4

- Carbohydrates: 1 gram

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Fiber: 0 grams

- Vitamin C: 1% of DV

Benefits:

- Possesses antimicrobial properties, including antibacterial and antiviral effects.

- Supports heart health by potentially lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

- Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Heavy Cream:

- Calories: 52

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 5.5 grams

- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams

- Vitamin A: 6% of DV

Benefits:

- Provides fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and D.

- Serves as a concentrated source of energy due to its fat content.

Gruyère or Cheddar Cheese:

- Calories: 115

- Carbohydrates: 1 gram

- Protein: 7 grams

- Fat: 9 grams

- Saturated Fat: 6 grams

- Calcium: 20% of DV

Benefits:

- High in protein, which supports muscle health and repair.

- Rich in calcium, essential for bone health and strength.

- Contains vitamin B12, which supports nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Breadcrumbs:

- Calories: 110

- Carbohydrates: 22 grams

- Protein: 4 grams

- Fat: 1 gram

- Fiber: 1 gram

Benefits:

- Provides carbohydrates, which are a source of energy.

- Adds texture to dishes.

Parmesan Cheese:

- Calories: 120

- Carbohydrates: 1 gram

- Protein: 10 grams

- Fat: 8 grams

- Saturated Fat: 5 grams

- Calcium: 30% of DV

Benefits:

- High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

- Rich in calcium, which supports bone health.

- Low in lactose, making it easier to digest for some people with lactose intolerance.

Fresh Parsley:

- Calories: 1

- Carbohydrates: 0 grams

- Protein: 0 grams

- Fat: 0 grams

- Fiber: 0 grams

- Vitamin C: 6% of DV

- Vitamin K: 6% of DV

Benefits:

- Provides vitamins A, C, and K.

- Has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage.

- Contains compounds that aid in digestive health.