Asparagus with Herbed Cheese on Toast Recipe

Overview:

If you’re craving a delectable and easy-to-make vegetable dish that doubles as a savory brunch option, then this recipe for Asparagus with Herbed Cheese on Toast is just what you need! 🌿🧀🍞 This delightful dish combines tender asparagus spears with a creamy herbed cheese mixture, all nestled on top of perfectly toasted bread slices. It’s a burst of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more! Plus, with a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a total cooking time of 10 minutes, you can whip up this culinary masterpiece in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 bunch of fresh asparagus
1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons of fresh chervil
2 tablespoons of fresh chives
2 tablespoons of fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon of pepper
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1 sweet onion, sliced into wedges
1 parsley sprig (for garnish)
1 loaf of your favorite bread (French bread or ciabatta works well)
1 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese

Instructions:

Preparation:

Start by snapping off the tough ends of the asparagus spears. If desired, you can also remove any scales using a knife or vegetable peeler.
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil.
While the water is heating up, prepare a bowl of ice water.
Once the water is boiling, carefully drop the asparagus and onion wedges into the saucepan.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the asparagus is tender but still crisp.
Quickly remove the asparagus and onions from the boiling water and plunge them into the bowl of ice water. This will stop the cooking process and help the asparagus retain its vibrant green color.
Drain the asparagus and onions well, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside.

Herbed Cheese Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the fresh thyme, chives, and chervil. Stir until well combined. This creamy herbed cheese mixture will be the flavorful base for our dish.

Toasted Bread:

Preheat your broiler.
Slice the bread crosswise into 6 thick slices. You can save any remaining bread for another use.
Place the bread slices on a baking sheet and toast them under the broiler until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Sauteed Onions and Asparagus:

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add the extra virgin olive oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced sweet onion to the skillet.
Season with salt and pepper, then sauté the onions for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and lightly browned.
Add the blanched asparagus to the skillet and heat them through, stirring gently to coat them in the flavorful oil and seasoning.

Assembly:

Take each toasted bread slice and spread a generous amount of the herbed cheese mixture evenly over the top.
Arrange the sautéed onions and asparagus on top of the herbed cheese-covered bread slices.
For a final touch, garnish each toast with a sprig of fresh parsley.

Serving:

Serve the Asparagus with Herbed Cheese on Toast immediately, while it’s still warm and the flavors are at their peak. This dish pairs perfectly with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a satisfying brunch or light meal. Enjoy the vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and creamy textures of this delightful dish! 🌿🧀🍞

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Calories: 317.5
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2.9g
Cholesterol: 12.7mg
Sodium: 620.5mg
Carbohydrates: 48.6g
Fiber: 4.5g
Sugar: 2.9g
Protein: 13.6g

Recipe Notes:

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add additional herbs or spices to the herbed cheese mixture, or even sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
If you’re short on time, you can skip the step of toasting the bread under the broiler and simply use untoasted bread slices as the base for this dish. However, toasting the bread adds a delicious crunch and depth of flavor to the final dish.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven or toaster oven before serving.