
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp light olive oil
- 3 (250g) packs chicory, halved lengthways
- 6 thyme sprigs, leaves removed
- 70g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 (460ml) jar Classic Bechamel Everything Sauce
- 0.25 nutmeg, finely grated
- 120g comte cheese, grated
- 12 lamb cutlets
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 rosemary sprigs, leaves roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp plain flour
- 100ml dry white wine
- 400ml lamb stock
- 80g pack watercress, to serve
Method
Step 1
Heat the oven to 200°C/ 180°C fan/ gas 6. Add 1 tbsp oil to a large sauté pan and heat over a medium-high heat. Add the chicory, cut side down and cook for 4-5 mins or until a deep golden brown.Step 2
Turn the chicory over and sprinkle with half the thyme leaves, add 50g butter along with 100ml water to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 mins, swirling the pan until the chicory is tender. Season to taste and then transfer the chicory to an oven-proof dish along with any of the juices.Step 3
Pour the béchamel into a pan. Set over a medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Season well and add the nutmeg, then remove from the heat and stir in half the cheese.Step 4
Pour the béchamel over the chicory and sprinkle with the remaining cheese and thyme. Bake for 20-30 mins until the cheese is bubbling and golden.Step 5
Meanwhile, lay the lamb cutlets out onto a tray, drizzle with the remaining 2 tbsp oil and season both sides. Set a large frying pan onto a high heat and add in half the lamb cutlets, fatty edge down and begin to render the fat out for 1-2 mins. Sprinkle half of the garlic and rosemary over the lamb and cook for another 2 mins, flipping halfway. Remove from the pan using tongs and transfer to an oven tray.Step 6
Repeat with the remaining lamb and then place the frying pan back onto the heat. Add the flour to the pan and stir well for 1 min. Add the wine, whisking until smooth. Pour in the lamb stock and whisk again until smooth. Simmer for 5 mins or until the sauce has thickened.Step 7
Meanwhile, place the lamb cutlets into the oven under the gratin for 4-5 mins to heat through. When you are ready to serve, whisk the remaining 20g cold butter into the sauce over a low heat and season to taste.Step 8
Lay the lamb onto a platter and serve with the sauce, gratin and watercress alongside.