Indulge in the flavors of the Caribbean with our authentic recipe for Gratin de Christophine, a beloved dish hailing from the vibrant island of Guadeloupe. Also known as Chayote Gratin, this culinary masterpiece combines the subtle sweetness of chayote squash with the richness of creamy béchamel sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Served as a comforting side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main, each bite transports you to the sun-kissed shores of Guadeloupe. Experience the essence of island life with this irresistible fusion of tropical ingredients and French culinary finesse.

Ingredients:

• 4 chayote squash (christophine), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg
• Breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the sliced chayote squash and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain well and set aside.

3- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4- Stir in the flour to form a roux. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.

5- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

6- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in half of the grated Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg to taste.

7- Arrange the cooked chayote slices in a single layer in a greased baking dish.

8- Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chayote slices, making sure they are well coated.

9- Sprinkle the remaining grated Gruyère cheese over the top of the gratin. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added texture.

10- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the gratin is bubbly and golden brown on top.

11- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

12- Serve the Gratin de Christophine hot as a delightful side dish or as a comforting main course. Enjoy the taste of Guadeloupe in every creamy, cheesy bite!

Nutritional Values :

Chayote Squash (Christophine):

• Serving size: 1 cup (about 160g)
• Calories: 25
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 0mg
• Potassium: 180mg
• Vitamin C: 20% DV
• Vitamin K: 7% DV

benefits

• Rich in Vitamin C, supporting immune health and collagen production.
• High in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
• Low in calories and fat, suitable for weight management and heart health.

Butter (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 204
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 61mg
• Sodium: 162mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0.2g

benefits

• Source of healthy fats, providing energy and aiding in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
• Contains saturated fats, which are necessary for hormone production and cell membrane structure.
• Adds flavor and richness to dishes.

All-Purpose Flour (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 62
• Total Fat: 0.2g
• Sodium: 0.4mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12.8g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.4g
• Protein: 2g

benefits

• Contains carbohydrates, providing a quick source of energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Used as a thickening agent in sauces and gravies.

Milk (2 cups):

• Calories: 244
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 32mg
• Sodium: 218mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 23g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 16g
• Calcium: 57% DV
• Vitamin D: 25% DV

benefits

• Excellent source of calcium, essential for bone health and muscle function.
• Provides high-quality protein, important for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, supporting bone health and immune function.

Gruyère Cheese (1 cup grated):

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Cholesterol: 118mg
• Sodium: 275mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Calcium: 94% DV

benefits

• High in protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.
• Good source of calcium, supporting bone health and teeth strength.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A and zinc, contributing to overall health and immunity.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, cooking method, and specific ingredients used.