40 Meatless Meals: Gratin of White Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the very first signs of new life in the spring, coming into season as early as March. Enjoy this asparagus gratin to celebrate the passing of winter.

(recipe source)

• 4½ T unsalted butter, melted
• 15 white asparagus spears
• small bunch of lemon thyme, leaves only
• generous 3/4 cup crème fraîche*
• 1 T Dijon mustard
• sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup fresh white bread crumbs
• 3½ ounces Parmesan, freshly grated
• 2 tbsp minced curly parsley

Preheat the oven to 450°. Brush a copper or ceramic gratin dish with a little of the melted butter.

Trim the ends of the asparagus, slice the spears in half lengthwise, and lay them in the buttered gratin dish. Sprinkle with most of the lemon thyme leaves, saving a few for garnish.

Put the crème fraîche and mustard into a heavy pan and place over medium heat. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat slightly and let bubble to reduce by about a quarter. Season the reduced mixture with salt and pepper to taste.

Put the bread crumbs in a bowl, add the Parmesan, parsley, and some pepper, and toss with your fingers to combine.

Pour the crème fraîche over the asparagus, then scatter the crumb mixture on top, distributing it evenly. Drizzle with the rest of the melted butter. Bake the gratin on the middle shelf of the oven until the top is crisp and golden and the cream bubbles up around the sides of the dish, 15 to 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the remaining thyme leaves and serve. Be careful not to overcook—the asparagus should still have a bit of a bite.

*Note: For homemade crème fraîche, combine four parts heavy cream with one part buttermilk (~1 1/3 c and 1/3 c, respectively) in a covered container and let it stand at a cool room temperature (65 to 70 degrees) for 24 to 36 hours, until it thickens and sours slightly. Stir it well and refrigerate.