Ricotta and Asparagus Strudel
To prepare a delicious ricotta and asparagus strudel, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have fresh ricotta, an egg, parmesan or grana, fresh asparagus, onion, puff pastry, olive oil, salt, and pepper on hand.
In a large bowl, add the ricotta, beaten egg, 4 tablespoons of parmesan or grana, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix all the ingredients well with a spatula or whisk until you achieve a smooth and creamy mixture. This mixture will be the savory filling for your strudel.
In a pot of salted water, bring the asparagus to a boil. It is important not to overcook it, as you want it to remain crunchy and retain its vibrant green color. After about 3-4 minutes, remove it and quickly rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, chop the asparagus into smaller pieces.
In a pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent and slightly golden, then add the chopped asparagus. Mix everything well so that the flavors combine, and cook for a few minutes.
Once you have prepared the filling, roll out the puff pastry on a clean surface. On one side of the pastry sheet, evenly spread the ricotta mixture, then add the sautéed asparagus layer. Carefully roll the puff pastry, making sure to seal the ends well to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Brush the strudel with beaten egg to achieve a golden and appetizing crust.
To facilitate later portioning, cut the strudel into equal-sized pieces without cutting all the way through to the bottom. This will help maintain its shape and prevent excessive crumbling after baking. Place the strudel on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and put it in the preheated oven at 180-200 degrees Celsius. Bake for about 35 minutes, or until the surface is nicely browned.
After the strudel is ready, let it cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or at room temperature, alongside a fresh salad or yogurt sauce. This recipe is not only easy to make but will also add a touch of elegance to your table, making it ideal for a special dinner or a gathering with friends. Enjoy your meal!
Ingredients: * 300 g puff pastry * 250 g asparagus * 200 g ricotta (or cottage cheese) * 1 egg + 1 for brushing on top * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1/2 onion * grated grana/parmigiano (or other cheese) * salt and pepper
