Asparagus Au Gratin

Cooking time:: 15 mins

Serves:: 4

Gratin is just a scary word for a baked dish with a crumb crust. It can be made gooey and cheesy or, as it is here, light and crunchy. This recipe calls for asparagus, but I can't think of a vegetable that wouldn't work well.

Ingredients

675g to 900g asparagus
1 tbsp butter or extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Method

1. Break off and discard the woody bottom ends of the asparagus spears (they'll naturally snap off where they're supposed to) and peel the top parts if they're thick. Steam or microwave, covered, just until tender - five minutes max.

2. Preheat the grill and make sure the rack is about 10cm from the heat source.

3. Use the butter or oil to grease a medium, shallow baking dish.

4. Place the spears in the dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with the cheese and sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top. Grill for three to five minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. Add the parsley and a few more grinds of pepper (and some paprika if you like). Serve.