Siegerländer Krüstche

Ingredients

• 4 slices of thick bread 4 slices of thick bread
• 8 slices of ham 8 slices of ham
• 200g (7oz) cheese, grated 200g (7oz) cheese, grated
• 250g (9oz) mushrooms, sliced 250g (9oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 250ml (1 cup) chicken or vegetable broth 250ml (1 cup) chicken or vegetable broth
• 125ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream 125ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish Fresh parsley for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden and crispy.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and sauté until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and start to brown.
5. 5.
   Sprinkle the flour over the mushrooms and stir well to coat.
6. 6.
   Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
7. 7.
   Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens.
8. 8.
   Place two slices of ham on each toasted bread slice.
9. 9.
   Spoon the mushroom sauce over the ham and sprinkle grated cheese on top.
10. 10.
    Place the prepared Krüstche back in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Mushrooms — Make sure to clean the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing. You can use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe off any dirt or debris.
• Cheese — Opt for a flavorful cheese such as Gouda or Emmental to enhance the taste of the dish.
• Bread — Choose a thick and sturdy bread that can hold up to the toppings and toasting process.
• Ham — Use thinly sliced ham for easy layering and even cooking.
• Mushroom sauce — If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend it using an immersion blender or a regular blender before pouring it over the ham.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ham with grilled vegetables such as zucchini or eggplant.
• Add a sprinkle of paprika or dried herbs to the mushroom sauce for extra flavor.
• Serve the Krüstche with a side of fresh salad or pickles to balance the richness of the dish.
• Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combination.
• If you prefer a crispier crust, you can broil the Krüstche for a couple of minutes after baking.

Serving advice

Serve the Siegerländer Krüstche hot, straight from the oven. It pairs well with a side of mixed greens or a simple cucumber salad. Enjoy it as a main course for lunch or dinner.

Presentation advice

To present the Krüstche beautifully, place each slice on a plate and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley. The golden crust and melted cheese will make it visually appealing. Serve it on a rustic wooden board for a touch of traditional German charm.