Cheesy Asparagus Pie: A Crowd-Pleasing Recipe

Asparagus is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can be used to create a variety of dishes. One such dish is the Cheesy asparagus pie, a savory and filling meal that is perfect for any occasion. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious asparagus pie, from preparing the crust to baking the filling. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients of Delicious Cheesy Asparagus Pie

Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need to make our asparagus pie:

For the crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1/4 cup ice-cold water

For the filling:

• 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation of the crust

The first step in making our asparagus pie is preparing the crust. Here’s how:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar.
• Add the chilled and cubed butter to the mixture and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
• Add the ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, and continue mixing until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
• Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preparation of the filling

While the dough chills in the refrigerator, we can start preparing the filling for our asparagus pie:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in a little bit of oil until they are translucent.
• Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until it is tender.
• In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, eggs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Add the sautéed asparagus mixture to the mixing bowl and stir to combine.

Assembling the pie

Now that we have both the crust and filling ready, it’s time to assemble our asparagus pie:

• Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
• Place the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming off any excess dough hanging over the edges.
• Pour the asparagus filling into the pie crust.

Baking the Asparagus Pie

Our Cheesy asparagus pie is almost ready! We just need to bake it:

• Place the pie dish onto a baking sheet and transfer it to the preheated oven.
• Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
• Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for making the perfect asparagus pie

Here are some tips for making the perfect asparagus pie:

• Choose fresh asparagus: Fresh asparagus is key for a delicious asparagus pie. Look for bright green, firm, and straight stalks without any blemishes.
• Pre-cook the asparagus: To ensure that the asparagus is cooked through, blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes before adding it to the pie.
• Use a good quality pie crust: A flaky, buttery pie crust will complement the asparagus nicely. You can make your own crust or use a store-bought one.
• Add flavorings: Asparagus pairs well with a variety of flavors, such as Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon zest. Add these ingredients to the filling to enhance the flavor of the pie.
• Use a custard base: A custard base made with eggs, milk, and cream will give the pie a creamy texture and hold it together. You can also add cheese to the custard for extra flavor.
• Blind bake the crust: To prevent a soggy crust, blind bake it before adding the filling. Simply line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans before baking.
• Let it cool before slicing: Once the pie is baked, let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This will give the filling time to set and make it easier to slice.

Variations of the asparagus pie

• Asparagus and goat cheese pie: This variation adds crumbled goat cheese to the asparagus filling and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a tangy and flavorful twist.
• Asparagus and mushroom pie: This variation combines sautéed mushrooms with asparagus for a savory and earthy pie filling. You can add a splash of white wine to the mix for added depth of flavor.
• Asparagus and bacon pie: This variation incorporates crispy bacon pieces into the asparagus filling for a salty and smoky flavor. A touch of grated cheddar cheese on top adds a nice finishing touch.
• Asparagus and ham pie: This variation adds diced ham to the asparagus filling for a protein-packed pie. A sprinkle of nutmeg and a touch of Dijon mustard can add depth and flavor.
• Asparagus and leek pie: This variation combines tender leeks with asparagus for a sweet and savory filling. A splash of heavy cream or crème fraîche can help bring everything together.

Health benefits of Cheesy asparagus Pie

Asparagus is a nutrient-rich vegetable that offers many health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of asparagus:

• Rich in vitamins and minerals: Asparagus is a great source of vitamins A, C, E, K, and B6, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
• Good for digestion: Asparagus is high in fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and can prevent constipation.
• Anti-inflammatory: Asparagus contains antioxidants like vitamin C and flavonoids, which can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• May reduce the risk of chronic diseases: Some studies have suggested that asparagus may reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
• May help with weight loss: Asparagus is low in calories and high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied, making it a good food to include in a weight loss diet.
• Good for brain health: Asparagus is a good source of folate, which is important for brain health and can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
• May improve fertility: Asparagus contains compounds that can help improve fertility in both men and women.

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