Asparagus Gratin Fancy And Good


No other vegetable signals spring like asparagus. In this recipe, it makes for a rich, creamy side dish that's beyond delicious. We love it with a simple roast chicken. Please note: this is an adopted recipe and i hope to make it soonest. If you make it before i do, i would appreciate feedback, thanks ! Zwt region:italy.

Steps


Butter a 2- to 2 1 / 2-quart shallow ceramic flameproof baking dish.
Cook asparagus in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water , uncovered , until crisp-tender , about 4 minutes.
Drain in a colander , then transfer to baking dish and keep warm , tightly covered with foil.
Meanwhile , heat oil and butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until foam subsides , then cook shallots , stirring occasionally , until pale golden , about 3 minutes.
Add bread and pine nuts and cook , stirring , until browned in spots , about 5 minutes.
Transfer to a bowl and add pepper , 1 / 2 cup parmigiano-reggiano , and 1 / 4 teaspoon salt , tossing to combine.
Preheat broiler.
Toss warm asparagus with mascarpone , remaining 1 / 2 cup parmigiano-reggiano , and remaining 1 / 4 teaspoon salt until combined well.
Sprinkle bread-crumb mixture evenly over asparagus.
Broil 5 to 7 inches from heat until topping is golden brown , 1 to 2 minutes.

Ingredients


asparagus, olive oil, unsalted butter, shallot, white bread, pine nuts, black pepper, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, salt, mascarpone cheese