Sformato di Asparagi (Asparagus Terrine)
Sformato is a savory vegetable custard. This light first course can be made ahead, and refrigerated for up to three days.
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Sformato is a savory vegetable custard. This light first course can be made ahead, and refrigerated for up to three days.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbs. unseasoned dry breadcrumbs
- 1 1/4 lb. fresh asparagus
- 3 Tbs. unsalted butter
- 1 Tbs. all-purpose flour
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- 1/3 cup finely minced onion
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- Pinch nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 300F. Coat bottom and sides of 9x5x3-inch loaf pan with cooking spray; coat with breadcrumbs.
- Trim off and discard tough stem ends from asparagus. Cut 1 1/2 inches off tips; set tips aside.
- Bring pot of water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; add asparagus stalks, and cook 3 to 4 minutes; add tips, and cook 3 minutes more, or until tender. Drain, and pat dry.
- Heat 2 Tbs. butter in saucepan over low heat. Add flour, and cook, stirring often, 5 minutes. Add milk, and cook, stirring often, about 5 minutes, or until smooth and thick. Remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature; stir occasionally.
- Heat remaining 1 Tbs. butter in saucepan over low heat. Add onion, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 10 minutes. Scrape into food processor, add asparagus stalks and purée until smooth; transfer to bowl.
- Stir salt, pepper and nutmeg into asparagus purée. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Stir in white sauce. Fold all but 6 asparagus tips into mixture; scrape into loaf pan, and place pan in roasting pan. Add 2 inches of boiling water to roasting pan.
- Bake 30 minutes. Increase heat to 350F, and bake 30 to 45 minutes more, until set in center. Cool loaf pan on rack 15 minutes. Garnish with remaining 6 asparagus tips. Cut into 1-inch slices, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size Serves 6
- Calories 135
- Carbohydrate Content 9 g
- Cholesterol Content 121 mg
- Fat Content 8 g
- Fiber Content 2 g
- Protein Content 7 g
- Saturated Fat Content 4 g
- Sodium Content 172 mg
- Sugar Content 4 g
- Trans Fat Content 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat Content 0 g