Asparagus and Parmesan Tart

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This recipe is described as being 'a flash' to make.  It certainly sounds delicious.  Some suggestions:  If you have not used puff pastry before, you can find it in the freezer section of the supermarket.  Serve with a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing or a fruit salad.  You will also need parchment paper for baking.
Cleo, Food Bank Volunteer

 

  Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  shallot, finely chopped
• 1  pound asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 4- to 5-inch pieces
• 1  (14-ounce) sheet puff pastry, defrosted if frozen
• 1/2  cup whole milk ricotta
• 1/2  cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 1/2  teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1  large egg yolk mixed with 1/2 teaspoon water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450F.
2. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan. Add shallot and sauté about 1 minute. Add asparagus and cook over medium-high heat until asparagus is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Roll out pastry to a 10 x 16-inch rectangle on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Transfer pastry and paper to a baking sheet.
4. Spread ricotta evenly on pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Spoon asparagus mixture evenly over ricotta. Sprinkle cheese over all. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
5. Brush edge of the tart with egg and water mixture. Bake until pastry is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve warm. Cut into 8 (4 x 5-inch) pieces.

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