Ingredients
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2 lbs asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1 1/2-inch pieces
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into bits
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4 slices firm white bread, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
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1/4 cup pine nuts (1 1/4 oz)
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 ounces finely grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese (1 cup)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup mascarpone cheese
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1/2 cup finely chopped shallot (about 2 large)
Instructions
- Butter a 2- to 2 1/2-quart shallow ceramic flameproof baking dish.
- Cook asparagus in a 5- to 6-quart pot of boiling salted water, uncovered, until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
- Drain in a colander, then transfer to baking dish and keep warm, tightly covered with foil.
- Meanwhile, heat oil and butter in a 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until foam subsides, then cook shallots, stirring occasionally, until pale golden, about 3 minutes.
- Add bread and pine nuts and cook, stirring, until browned in spots, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and add pepper, 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, and 1/4 teaspoon salt, tossing to combine.
- Preheat broiler.
- Toss warm asparagus with mascarpone, remaining 1/2 cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt until combined well.
- Sprinkle bread-crumb mixture evenly over asparagus. Broil 5 to 7 inches from heat until topping is golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes.