Asparagus Savory Pie

The asparagus savory pie is a delightful spring dish that can be served either as an appetizer or as a main course. Here is the recipe to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 1 roll of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry
• 500 g of asparagus
• 3 eggs
• 200 ml of cooking cream
• 100 g of grated cheese (pecorino, parmesan, or a mix depending on taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Butter or extra virgin olive oil for greasing the pan
• 1 tablespoon of flour for dusting the pan

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 180 °C.
2. Clean the asparagus by removing the tougher end of the stem. Wash the asparagus and steam or boil them in salted water for about 10 minutes, until they become tender but still crisp. Let them cool down and then cut them into pieces, setting aside the tips for decoration.
3. Roll out the puff pastry or shortcrust in a pan previously greased with butter and dusted with flour. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.
4. In a bowl, beat the eggs with the cream, add salt, pepper, and grated cheese. Mix well to create a homogeneous mixture.
5. Distribute the pieces of asparagus on the pastry base, pour the egg and cream mixture over it. Decorate with the asparagus tips you had set aside.
6. Bake the asparagus savory pie for about 30-40 minutes or until the surface looks golden brown and the pastry is well cooked.
7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Curiosity

Asparagus are highly appreciated in Italian cuisine and are found in a myriad of recipes, from omelets to risottos, to being the star of more refined dishes. They contain vitamins (A, C, E, K, some of the B group) and minerals (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium) and are known for their diuretic properties.

This savory pie lends itself well to variations, such as the addition of speck or ham for a smoky touch, or the incorporation of other cheeses like taleggio or brie for a creamier consistency.