Italian Vegetable Dishes Recipes - Asparagus Gateaux (Torta di Asparagi) Recipe

• 2 x 400 g/2 x 14 oz/2 large cans asparagus spears

• 5 eggs

• 300 ml/1 1/4 cups single (light) cream

• 100 g/4 oz/1 cup Gruyere (Swiss) cheese, grated

• 2.5 ml/1/2 tsp grated nutmeg

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 25 g/1 oz/2 tbsp unsalted (sweet) butter

Method:

1. Drain the cans of asparagus spears and cut the tips off each spear. Reserve as a garnish.

2. Place the remainder of the asparagus in a blender or pound in a mortar. Stir in the eggs, cream, cheese and nutmeg.

3. Season with the salt and pepper. Butter 6 ramekin dishes (custard cups) and divide the mixture evenly among them.

4. Place the dishes in a baking tin (pan) and surround with a little boiling water.

5. Bake for 20 minutes in a preheated oven at 220°C/425°F/gas mark 7 until set.

6. Turn out on a large platter and decorate with the reserved asparagus spears.