Asparagus in Puff Pastry with Cheese Sauce
Ingredients: 16 asparagus spears, 16 sheets of pastry, salt, olive oil for greasing, 1 green onion, 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary (or basil), 4 tablespoons of fresh cottage cheese, 4-6 tablespoons of buttermilk (normal milk can also be used), salt (not a mistake, once again)
To create a delicacy with asparagus, it is essential to carefully choose the ingredients. Opt for fresh asparagus with a crunchy texture and vibrant color. It is important that all stalks are of the same thickness and size to ensure even cooking. If, unfortunately, the asparagus you found is more woody, do not be discouraged! Simply snap off the woody part at the base and use a vegetable peeler to remove any tough portions.
Once you have prepared the asparagus, arrange it nicely on a platter, being careful not to overlap. With a kitchen brush, brush olive oil on each stalk of asparagus, ensuring it is well coated. Sprinkle salt evenly over its entire surface to enhance its flavor. Then, let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
While the asparagus rests, take the pastry sheets. Fold each sheet in half, brushing olive oil on one half, then brush again on half of the resulting sheet. This will create a square that you will use to wrap the asparagus. Place a brushed asparagus stalk along the edges of the square, leaving the flower end out for an attractive look. The rolling should be tight and form a small border at the base to prevent the asparagus from coming out.
After you have finished rolling all the asparagus stalks, place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper and brush them with a little water for a glossy appearance. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) and bake the asparagus for 12-15 minutes or until the pastry is golden and crispy. Once ready, remove the tray from the oven and let it cool slightly before arranging them on a platter.
In the meantime, you can prepare the cheese sauce. In a bowl, combine buttermilk with cottage cheese, finely chopped onion, dried basil, and salt to taste. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition. If you prefer a thinner sauce, feel free to add more buttermilk to achieve the desired consistency.
Warm asparagus is served with the cheese sauce on top, or you can choose to portion it into small individual dishes for an elegant presentation. Place the dishes on the same plate as the asparagus and enjoy this simple yet elegant delicacy, perfect for any occasion. Savor each bite, letting yourself be carried away by the flavors and textures of each ingredient!
