A deliciously light starter to celebrate the asparagus season this spring. Recipe Adapted by Eric Frechon, author of "Clafoutis" and executive chef at the Bristol in Paris.
- 500 g (1 lb) bundle white asparagus
- 3 eggs organic
- 4 egg yolks organic
- 10 g (4 tsp) cornflour
- 300 ml (10 fl oz) single cream
- 100 g (3 oz) fresh parmesan grated
- Seasoning
- Handful of pine nuts optional
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Preheat the oven to 160°C/320°F/140°C fan/gas 3. Wash the asparagus spears and snap them 2/3rds of the way down, where they break naturally. Peel them as close as possible to the spear heads. Keep the peelings!
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Cut the asparagus in 3, reserving the spear heads.
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Fill a large pan with water and bring to the boil with the asparagus peelings, adding a tablespoon of sugar (to reduce the bitterness).
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When bubbling, remove the peelings and cook only the spears for 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
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Using the same cooking water, drop in the rest of the asparagus chunks and cook for 7 minutes.
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Meanwhile, prepare the clafoutis batter: mix the eggs, cornflour, cream, grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper.
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Drain the asparagus chunks and, using a hand blender or food processor, mix the asparagus and cream together.
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Pour into a non-stick tart dish and decorate with the asparagus spears. I like to sprinkle over some lightly toasted pine nuts for a crunchy texture.
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Bake in the oven for 40 minutes until golden.
If making individual versions, pour into 6 silicone briochette moulds and bake for only 25 minutes. Turn them out directly on guests' plates for an elegant but simple starter (or prepare in advance and reheat before serving). Enjoy this asparagus clafoutis either warm from the oven and serve with a glass of chilled Pinot Blanc from the Alsace.
Jill Colonna