This recipe is gourmet comfort food at its best, combining the sweet-savory flavor of ham with a rich dairy-free cheese sauce and fresh herbs. Serve this either as a comforting dinner entree or at a relaxing weekend brunch.
Makes 6 individual puddings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup plus 2 T. olive oil, divided
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 1 ¾ cup unsweetened plain soy milk
- 2 T flour
- 1 cup unsweetened plain soy yogurt , such as Wild Wood
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- ¾ cup water
- 1 t. salt, plus more for seasoning
- ¼ t. pepper, plus more for seasoning
- 2 t. dried thyme
- 8 thick slices of bread, cut into 1" cubes
- 6 ounces finely sliced ham or prosciutto
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnishing
Preparation:
1. Preheat the oven to 325 F. Lightly oil 6 individual soufflé or gratin dishes and set aside.
2. In a heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the 2 T. oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 6 minutes. Set aside.
3. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and soymilk until well combined. Set aside.
4. In a small saucepan or skillet over low heat, heat the remaining ¼ cup oil with the flour, stirring constantly. Add the soy yogurt, nutritional yeast, water, salt, pepper and thyme, and cook until just slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then whisk into the egg mixture.
5. Combine equal portions of the bread cubes, ham and onions into each of the prepared dishes. Pour the batter into the dishes and bake until puffed up and golden brown, about 40 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
