ASPARAGUS TART

Asparagus Tart image

From Canastota, New York, Mary Relyea shares this lovely tart. Its golden crust is filled with a delightfully light egg bake that includes asparagus spears and Gruyere cheese. Serve it as an impressive side dish or a meatless main course.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
3 cups water
Pastry for single-crust pie (9 inches)
2/3 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese, divided
1/2 cup minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup half-and-half cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps:

Cut 2 in. from the top of each asparagus spear; set tops aside. Cut stem ends into 3/4-in. pieces. In a small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add the 3/4-in. asparagus pieces; cover and boil for 3-4 minutes. Drain and immediately place asparagus in ice water. Drain and pat dry. , On a lightly floured surface, roll out pastry into a 13-in. circle. Press onto the bottom and up the sides of an ungreased 11-in. fluted tart pan with removable bottom; trim edges. Place the blanched asparagus, 1/3 cup cheese and parsley in crust. , In a small bowl, combine the eggs, cream, salt, cayenne and nutmeg; pour into crust. Arrange asparagus tops over egg mixture. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. , Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand for 10 minutes before cutting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 233 calories, Fat 15g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 132mg cholesterol, Sodium 326mg sodium, Carbohydrate 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.