SIMPLEST ASPARAGUS GRATIN

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Simplest Asparagus Gratin image

Cover cooked asparagus with cheese, stick it under the broiler until the top is golden brown and crisp around the edges, and you have a fabulous and elegant dish. You can prepare any of the variations using asparagus instead of the suggested alternative vegetable. Other cooked vegetables you can use: green or wax beans, artichoke hearts, fennel, eggplant, leeks, spinach, celery root, parsnips, zucchini, winter squash or sweet potatoes.

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 20m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil for the pan
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 to 2 pounds asparagus, trimmed
6 ounces Gruyere or Swiss cheese, cut into large cubes
8 spring fresh flat-leaf parsley
About 1/2 large loaf French or Italian bread, preferably a day or two old
Pinch paprika, optional

Steps:

  • Adjust an oven rack to about 4 inches from the heat source; turn on the broiler. Grease a shallow medium baking pan or gratin dish with the butter.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and cook until bright green and tender, about 5 minutes. Remove to an ice bath to stop the cooking then drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Add the cheese to the food processor and pulse until large crumbs form. Add the parsley and pulse 3 or 4 more times until it is about the same size as the cheese crumbs. Tear the bread into pieces and add to the food processor. Pulse a few times, then let the machine run for a few seconds, until coarsely chopped.
  • Put the asparagus in the dish and top with the breadcrumb mixture. Broil for 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. Sprinkle with a few grinds pepper and the paprika if you like, and serve.

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