Saturday Recipe

Here's another delicious summer recipe.

Roasted Tomato Croques with Pickled Peppers

Contributed to Food & Wine by Zoe Nathan

• SERVINGS: 6

In this summery spin on a croque-monsieur, roasted heirloom tomatoes are piled on bread that’s slathered with creamy béchamel sauce. After a generous sprinkle of Gruyère, the croques are toasted till melty and browned, and then topped with spicy homemade pickled peppers.

Ingredients

1. 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3. 2 small thyme sprigs, plus 1 tablespoon thyme leaves
4. 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves
5. 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
6. Kosher salt
7. Freshly ground pepper
8. 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
9. 2 cups whole milk
10. 2 pounds heirloom medium and cherry tomatoes, sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
11. Extra-virgin olive oil, for brushing
12. Six 1/2-inch-thick slices of sourdough bread
13. 1/2 pound Gruyère cheese, shredded
14. Pickled Peppers

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter. Add the onion, thyme sprigs, rosemary, mustard and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened and just starting to brown, about 7 minutes. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until light golden, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until incorporated and bring to a boil. Simmer the sauce over moderately low heat, stirring, until thickened and no floury taste remains, 7 to 10 minutes. Strain the béchamel through a fine sieve set over a heatproof bowl; discard the onion and herbs.
2. On 2 large rimmed baking sheets, arrange the tomato slices in a single layer. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for about 15 minutes, until softened and just starting to brown.
3. Set a rack on another large rimmed baking sheet. Arrange the bread in a single layer on the rack and top the slices evenly with the béchamel. Using a spatula, lay the tomatoes on the béchamel. Sprinkle with the Gruyère and thyme leaves. Bake the croques for about 20 minutes, until the tops are browned and the bottoms are crisp. Transfer to plates and garnish with Pickled Peppers. Serve hot.

Make Ahead

The béchamel can be refrigerated overnight. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, then stir.

Serve With

Greens dressed with good balsamic vinegar and olive oil. 

Have a great weekend.