Asparagus Gratin

Asparagus Gratin

 

Asparagus Gratin

1 lb asparagus, trimmed & cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1-1/2 Tbs olive oil
Kosher salt
Fresh ground black pepper
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated parmesan or other hard cheese
5 oz mascarpone cheese (look for it in a small
fresh grated nutmeg
1 tsp butter, cut into tiny cubes

Place a rack 6 inches from the broiler element and heat the broiler on high. In a 2-quart gratin dish or small casserole, toss the asparagus with the onion, 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil, salt & pepper. Broil until tender but still crisp, 5 – 6 minutes.

Mix the breadcrumbs with the grated cheese, remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and some ground pepper.

Drop the mascarpone in little spoonfuls over the asparagus. A small cookie dough scoop works well for this. Sprinkle with a little nutmeg, and top with the breadcrumb mixture. Dot with the butter cubes. Broil until bubbling around the edges and golden brown and delicious, about 2 minutes. Keep an eye on it, it browns quickly!