In the realm of Italian cuisine, asparagus takes center stage in the delectable dish known as Asparagi alla Parmigiana, also referred to as Italian Asparagus Gratin. This culinary creation showcases fresh asparagus spears enveloped in a velvety blanket of béchamel sauce, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs, resulting in a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Our comprehensive guide unveils the secrets behind this classic recipe, providing step-by-step instructions to ensure your asparagus gratin reaches its full potential. Additionally, we present a collection of enticing variations that add a touch of culinary flair, including a vegan-friendly version and a tempting rendition featuring prosciutto and smoked mozzarella. Embark on a culinary journey and discover the delectable delights that await you with Asparagi alla Parmigiana and its diverse variations.
Here are our top 11 tried and tested recipes!
ASPARAGUS GRATIN
Asparagus gratin is a lightened up version of potatoes au gratin that's a perfect way to celebrate seasonable asparagus!
Provided by Jennifer Farley
Categories Side Dish
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place an oven rack on one of the top two shelves, then preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 3 or 4-quart casserole dish with cooking spray, butter or olive oil.
- Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Cook the asparagus, in batches if necessary, until crisp-tender, 3-4 minutes depending on the thickness of the asparagus. Drain through a colander, shaking off any excess water, then transfer to the baking dish. Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, until the mixture develops a nutty fragrance and darkens slightly, 2-3 minutes (this is known as a roux). Whisk in the half-and-half, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then increase the heat to medium-high. Whisk until thick, 4-5 minutes. Remove the sauce from the heat, then add the cheese in handfuls, whisking until smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over asparagus.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet, then stir in the panko and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle over the cheese sauce.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then turn on the broiler. Broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown (watch closely to make sure they don't burn).
- Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 275 kcal, Carbohydrate 14 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 19 g, SaturatedFat 11 g, Cholesterol 60 mg, Sodium 611 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving
ASPARAGUS GRATIN
Spring's favorite veggie just got a decadent makeover.
Provided by Southern Living Test Kitchen
Categories Casserole
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F with oven rack about 6 inches from heat.
- Toss together asparagus and shallot in a 10-inch broiler-safe skillet or 8-inch square broiler-safe baking dish.
- Stir together cream, mustard, flour, garlic, salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of the fontina. Pour over asparagus, and using tongs, gently toss to coat asparagus. Top with Parmesan and remaining 1/2 cup fontina, and bake in preheated oven until asparagus is almost tender-crisp and cheese is melted, 10 to 12 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil, and broil until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes more.
ASPARAGI ALLA PARMIGIANA (ITALIAN ASPARAGUS GRATIN)
Found online; posting for ZWT 7-Italy. *Updated 10/10/13-Finally made this and really enjoyed! I had very skinny asparagus so I should have decreased the cooking time. I used butter and drizzled a little olive oil on top too. I recommend using thicker asparagus or decrease cooking time.*
Provided by AZPARZYCH
Categories Cheese
Time 35m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Butter a shallow gratin or baking dish that is just large enough to hold the asparagus.
- Place a layer of asparagus in the dish, with the tips all facing the same direction. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and some of the cheese Keep adding layers until all asparagus and all cheese is used, finishing with the cheese.
- Dot the top of the dish with the pieces of butter and place the dish on the top rack of the oven.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the asparagus is cooked through and beginning to brown and the cheese is melted.
- *Variations.
- Instead of the butter use olive oil or half butter and half olive oil.
- Use half Parmesan and half shredded fontina cheese for a creamier gratin.
- Layer a couple of slices of prosciutto in with the asparagus if you like.
- Sprinkle with a little lemon zest for added zing.
PARMESAN ROASTED ASPARAGUS
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- If the stalks of the asparagus are thick, peel the bottom 1/2 of each. Lay them in a single layer on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and return to the oven for another minute. Serve with lemon wedges.
ASPARAGUS GRATIN
Make and share this Asparagus Gratin recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Lvs2Cook
Categories Vegetable
Time 25m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Trim and wash the asparagus.
- In a pot a simmering water, cook the asparagus about 8 minutes or until tender. Drain.
- Divide asparagus into 6 equal bundles. Wrap 1 slice of the meat around each bundle and place in a shallow baking dish.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the breadcrumbs to the butter and mix. Cook for 1 minute. Pour this mixture over the bundles. Top with the shredded Gruyere.
- Broil until cheese lightly browns, about 1 minute.
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.
Provided by kiwidutch
Categories Vegetable
Time 30m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
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.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 357.8, Fat 23.5, SaturatedFat 7.8, Cholesterol 25.6, Sodium 738.5, Carbohydrate 27, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 4.3, Protein 14.5
BAKED ASPARAGUS ITALIAN STYLE (ASPARAGI AL FORNO)
Italians love asparagus like Americans do baked potatoes. They have a quatrillion ways to serve it, and even prepare versions to be served with fried eggs for breakfast. I ran into this recipe years ago when visiting northern Italy. I fell in love with it and have relished it for years. Try it and enjoy.
Provided by Preacher_in_Kitchen
Categories Vegetable
Time 12m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degree F.
- Clean the asparagus and trim off the woody ends if necessary.
- Place asparagus in a steamer (or in a pan of lightly salted water) and steam/cook for 8 minutes.
- Be sure not to over cook and make asparagus limpy.
- Place asparagus in a buttered, oven tolerant dish or pan.
- Season with pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top and sprinkle with Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown.
- Enjoy-- mmmmmmm.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 135.2, Fat 9.7, SaturatedFat 2.8, Cholesterol 7.2, Sodium 173.1, Carbohydrate 7, Fiber 3.6, Sugar 3.2, Protein 7.5
KENMARE'S ASPARAGUS GRATIN
Provided by Elaine Louie
Categories dinner, lunch, side dish
Time 1h10m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium saucepan, combine the cream, shallots and wine. Place over medium heat and simmer until reduced by half, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake, stirring once or twice, until toasted, 10 to 15 minutes. Meanwhile, place a skillet over low heat, add panko, and stir until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. When pecans are toasted, remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Increase oven temperature to 400 degrees. When the pecans are cool, place in a blender and chop for a few seconds until coarsely ground. Mix with panko and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl combine asparagus, reduced cream, fontina, and Parmigiano Reggiano. Mix well and place in a gratin dish that is about 10 inches long and 4 inches wide, or an other shallow, ovenproof baking dish. Bake until asparagus are tender, the sauce is bubbling and the top is turning golden, 6 to 10 minutes. Remove from oven and top with pecan-bread crumb mixture. In a separate bowl, mix the endive and radicchio with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Spread over the top of the asparagus gratin. Serve hot.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 403, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 15 grams, Fat 34 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 17 grams, Sodium 544 milligrams, Sugar 6 grams
SIMPLEST ASPARAGUS GRATIN
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
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.
ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH CRUNCHY PARMESAN TOPPING
This comforting gratin is ready in less than 30 minutes. Feel free to use the thin asparagus, as noted in the recipe, or use thick asparagus, trimmed and peeled, as in the video. Or, just use the Parmesan breadcrumb topping on another favorite vegetable. It's a welcome and perfectly crisp addition to just about any meat or vegetable.
Provided by Mark Bittman
Categories easy, quick, weekday, side dish
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Heat oven to 500 degrees; while it heats, put bread in, and check frequently until it is lightly toasted and dry. Coarsely grind or grate bread and cheese together (a small food processor is best), and keep crumbs larger than commercial bread crumbs.
- Rinse asparagus, and break off woody bottoms. Lay stalks in a baking dish that will hold them in two or three layers. Toss with bits of butter or the oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place in oven.
- Roast 5 minutes, then shake dish to redistribute butter or oil. Roast 5 minutes more, then test for doneness by piercing a spear with point of a sharp knife; it should slide in but meet a little resistance. (Up to this point, the recipe can be made as much as two hours before serving; just leave asparagus at room temperature).
- Turn on broiler and place rack as close as possible to heating element. Top asparagus with cheese-crumb mixture and run under broiler to brown, a minute or two. Serve hot or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 186, UnsaturatedFat 10 grams, Carbohydrate 11 grams, Fat 13 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 8 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 462 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
CHIARELLO'S CAULIFLOWER ALLA PARMIGIANA
Make and share this Chiarello's Cauliflower Alla Parmigiana recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Progresso Recipe St
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 8 3/4-cup servings, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425°F Butter a 10x8-inch oval baking dish or a dish of equivalent size.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower, and boil until slightly softened but still retaining some crispness, about 3 minutes. Drain well, and then slice them lengthwise so the stems are about 1/4 inch thick.
- Arrange the slices, overlapping them tightly, in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt and several grinds of black pepper; dot with thin slices of the butter. Sprinkle with the cheese and bread crumbs.
- Bake uncovered until lightly browned on top, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
- Copyright 2010 Michael Chiarello. Recipe provided by Chef Michael Chiarello - June 2010.
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cut asparagus spears.
- If you don't have Parmesan cheese, you can use a mixture of bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs or grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish before baking.
- To make sure the asparagus is cooked through, use a sharp knife to pierce the asparagus spears. If the knife goes through easily, the asparagus is cooked.
- Serve the asparagus alla parmigiana immediately with your favorite sides.
Conclusion:
Asparagus alla parmigiana is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It's a great way to enjoy fresh asparagus and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to cook asparagus, give asparagus alla parmigiana a try. You won't be disappointed!
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