Ingredients

1 bunch broccoli rabe, trimmed 

Coarse salt 

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 

1 clove garlic, thinly sliced 

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons fig jam 

8 slices best-quality white bread 

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

8 ounces fontina, thinly sliced 

8 ounces sliced ham 

Unsalted butter, room temperature, for brushing 

1/4 cup grated Gruyere 

Parmesan Bechamel

Preparation

Preheat oven to 450 degrees with rack in bottom third. Blanch broccoli rabe in batches in a pot of salted boiling water until just tender, about 2 minutes. Drain.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add broccoli rabe; cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Season with salt. Let cool slightly, then finely chop.

For each sandwich, spread 2 teaspoons jam on one bread slice and 1 teaspoon mustard on another. Layer one slice with cheese, broccoli rabe, and ham, dividing evenly. Close sandwich; brush each side with butter.

Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet, top with 2 tablespoons bechamel and 1/4 cup grated Gruyere. Broil until golden brown and bubbling, about 10 minutes.