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Leek-and-Gnocchi Bake with Three Cheeses and Crispy Prosciutto

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

  • 8 thin slices prosciutto, halved crosswise

  • 2 leeks—trimmed, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise 1/2 inch thick

  • Salt and pepper

  • Two 10-12-ounce packages fresh potato gnocchi

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons flour

  • 2 cups milk

  • Ground nutmeg, to taste

  • 1 cup grated Fontina or  Fontina Valle D'Aosta cheese (3 generous handfuls)

  • 1/2 cup grated Asiago cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Directions

In a large skillet, heat the EVOO, 2 turns of the pan. Working in batches if necessary, add the prosciutto in a single layer and cook, turning once, until crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Add the leeks to the skillet and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it, add the gnocchi and cook until the gnocchi float to the surface, about 3 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1 minute, then whisk in the milk; season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cook until thickened, 5 minutes. Stir in the Fontina and Asiago until melted.

Pre-heat the broiler. Drain the gnocchi and place in a casserole dish. Stir in the leeks and cheese sauce and top with the Parmigiano Reggiano. Broil the casserole until browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Top with the prosciutto.