Savory pies with asparagus are a perfect combination – between one of the healthiest spring vegetables and one of the best Italian recipes! These five recipes are really easy. For any taste or occasion!
The benefits of asparagus
Before we get to the recipes, a fitting tribute to asparagus is in order. It’s one of the most complete vegetables in nature, after all. Its beneficial properties for the body have been known for centuries: asparagus is rich in vitamins, fiber and minerals that help purify the body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also helps with digestion and intestinal functioning. A true cure-all for whatever may ail you. Plus, it’s a tasty, perfect vegetable combined with many different ingredients.
Asparagus and Ricotta Cheese Savory Pie
A true classic with a simple taste!
Ingredients:
1 roll of puff pastry dough, 250 g fresh ricotta cheese (also buffalo milk cheese for a stronger taste), 250 g fresh or frozen asparagus, 2 eggs, 150 g grated cheese, Salt and pepper
Method:
Cut the stalks to the same height and blanch in salted water for a few minutes. Drain (not fully cooked!) and transfer to a bowl with very cold water to stop the cooking. (You’ll put them in the oven later.) In a large bowl, mix ricotta, eggs and grated cheese. Add the asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Roll out the puff pastry dough and prick it with a fork for better cooking. Pour the mixture into a baking pan with the rolled out dough and cover with grated cheese (if you want, add some breadcrumbs). Bake in the oven at 350°F for 25 minutes and remove it once golden brown on the surface. Enjoy hot or cold; it’s delicious either way!
Savory Pie with Asparagus and Speck
Ingredients:
1 sheet of puff pastry, 9 oz gorgonzola cheese, 9 oz fresh or frozen asparagus, 5 oz of sliced speck, 2 eggs, 4 tbsp grated cheese,Salt and pepper
Method:
The method for this recipe is just like the one above – just using bacon and asparagus instead of ricotta cheese and speck. Either add them separately to the savory pie filling or use the asparagus as ‘breadsticks,’ rolling the bacon around each one before putting them in the dough. Bake in the oven at 350° for 25 minutes and serve fresh.
Savory Pie with Asparagus, Bell Peppers and Eggplant
This quick and tasty vegetarian recipe is ideal for getting the best out of seasonal vegetables – in an easy-to-make savory pie! An explosion of perfectly mixed flavors.
Ingredients:
1 roll puff pastry, 9 oz smoked provola cheese, 9 oz fresh or frozen asparagus, 1 bell pepper, 1 eggplant, 2 eggs, 4 tbsp grated cheese, Salt and pepper
Method:
The prep for this savory cake all begins with the veggies – after you choose between a homemade (or store-bought) traditional pie dough or puff pastry dough, of course. Wash the bell pepper and and cut into small pieces. Wash the asparagus and cut off the ends of the stalks evenly (i.e. the hardened bottom quarter of the vegetable). Clean and slice eggplant. Cook the bell peppers and eggplant with olive oil for a few minutes; once peppers and eggplant have softened a little bit, add the asparagus and continue cooking for 4-5 minutes over low heat. Cut the provola cheese into small pieces and pour all the ingredients into a large bowl. Mix with the eggs and grated cheese. Roll out the dough into a pie dish and fill with vegetable-cheese mixture (don't forget to pierce the dough with the prongs of a fork first!) and cover with grated cheese. Bake in a pre-heated oven for 20 minutes at 350°F. Let cool and serve.
Savory Pie Turnovers with Asparagus, Brie and Honey
This is a quick and easy finger food recipe – ideal as an appetizer or served buffet-style. The three main ingredients? Asparagus, puff pastry dough and brie cheese (and a little honey) for a perfect contrast of flavor and aroma!
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry (cut into smaller squares), 9 oz fresh or frozen asparagus, 5 oz brie cheese, 2 eggs, 4 tbsp grated cheese, Salt and pepper, Honey
Method:
Start by cleaning the asparagus. Then cut stalks off for a length of 8-10 cm. Brown asparagus in a pan with olive oil for a few minutes. Set aside. Divide the puff pastry into 6 equal pieces and place a slice of brie cheese inside each. Add a slice of cheese, 3/4 of the asparagus and season with a drizzle of oil, pepper, salt and grated cheese. Close each rectangle of puff pastry onto itself, making sure they’re closed well enough to not open as they bake. Brush with egg yolk and transfer the ‘mini-pies’ to the oven. Bake at 350° for about 25 minutes. For an even more delicate taste, add a drizzle of honey on top before serving.
Savory Pie with White Asparagus, Tomatoes, Shallots and Stracchino Cheese
This is a very special recipe. Delicate white asparagus contrasts perfectly with all the other stronger flavors in this savory pie. Try it for dinner tonight!
Ingredients:
1 sheet puff pastry or traditional pie dough, 5 oz fresh or frozen asparagus, 4 oz shallots, sliced, 4 oz cherry tomatoes, 2 eggs, 4 tbsp grated cheese, Breadcrumbs, 4 oz stracchino cheese, 1 cup heavy cream, Salt and pepper
Method:
Boil asparagus in salted water for a few minutes and set aside. In a pan with a little oil, brown the sliced shallots. Add the asparagus and cook over high heat for a few minutes. In a bowl, add the eggs, cream, stracchino and grated cheese. Mix until smooth. Roll out the puff pastry or traditional pie dough into a pie dish and fill with vegetable-cheese mixture. Add well-drained and sliced tomatoes on top. Cover everything with grated cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. Let cool and buon appetito!