| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 410 | 27g | 14g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 35g | 1.2g |
Why I Love Belgian Fish Fillet with Endive and Cheese Sauce
As a vibrant Tex-Mex enthusiast, it’s not often that I dive into a recipe from across the pond, but every now and then, I stumble upon a savory delicacy that captures my taste buds in a surprisingly pleasant way. Such is the case with the Belgian dish, Fish Fillet with Endive and Cheese Sauce.
I enjoy surfing the wave of culinary exploration! Nothing excites me more than experimenting beyond the boundaries of the traditional Tex-Mex flavors that I grew up with, to bring you recipes that you might not typically find in a Texan cookbook.
Unfamiliar Ingredients
Belgian endive was an unfamiliar ingredient in my kitchen until I first came across this recipe, and being a curious foodie, I was intrigued. I discovered that its slightly bitter flavor, when paired with a tangy cheese sauce and fish fillets, results in a rich and harmonious blend of tastes.
Another unique aspect of this dish is the use of Gruyère cheese. Known for its creamy, nutty flavor, Gruyère adds a luxurious note to this already delectable dish. And while it’s not a traditional ingredient in Tex-Mex cuisine, it enhances this recipe with its distinctive character.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The inspiration behind the Fish Fillet with Endive and Cheese Sauce recipe is the celebrated Belgian chef, Peter Goossens. His approach to combining traditional Belgian ingredients with modern culinary techniques resonates with my own style of cooking – which is all about celebrating tradition while being open to new influences.
Incorporating this fascinating blend of flavors into my usual repertoire of dishes has given me a broader perspective on food and cooking. Although it’s a step outside of my usual territory, the Fish Fillet with Endive and Cheese Sauce is a delightfully tasty leap I am thrilled to have taken. I hope you share my excitement and enjoy the blend of European and Texan influences as you try this out at home!
What You’ll Need
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, clean the endives, trim them, and cut them in half lengthwise. Place them in a large pan with 2 tablespoons of butter and sauté over medium heat until tender. It should take around 10-15 minutes.
Step Two
Rub the fish fillets with the tablespoon of lemon juice, and season them with salt and pepper. Then, lay the fillets on top of the cooked endives in the pan. Cover them with foil and place them in the pre-heated oven to bake for 20 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flaky.
Step Three
While the fish is baking, you can make the cheese sauce. Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes. Then slowly whisk in the milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it has thickened. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step Four
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the grated Gruyère cheese until it has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season it with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
Step Five
Your fish and endives should be ready by now. Remove them from the oven. Serve the fish fillets on a plate with the endives on the side. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, and serve immediately. Enjoy!
