Chef John’s Asparagus Souffle

Description

Contrary to popular belief, souffles are not very difficult, as long as you respect the laws of physics. I hope you give this recipe a try, and also experiment with other vegetables. Broccoli, artichokes, leeks, spinach, or any other edible plant you can puree should work with the same basic procedure.

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or to taste
  • ½ clove garlic, minced
  • 4 eggs, separated
  • ½ cup grated sharp white Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook asparagus in a saucepan of boiling water until bright green but still crisp
  2. about 2 minutes. Transfer asparagus to ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown
  4. about 2 minutes.
  5. Whisk milk into butter-flour mixture; bring to a simmer and cook until thick
  6. 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and cayenne pepper.
  7. Place milk mixture
  8. garlic
  9. and asparagus in a blender and puree until smooth.
  10. Pour asparagus mixture into a large bowl; stir in egg yolks and Cheddar cheese.
  11. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
  12. Generously butter 4 (6-ounce) ramekins
  13. Beat egg whites in a large glass or metal mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the egg whites will form soft mounds rather than a sharp peak
  14. Stir half of egg whites into asparagus cheese mixture until just combined. Gently fold remaining egg whites into mixture.
  15. Fill prepared ramekins about 3/4 full and place on a baking sheet; bake in the preheated oven until edges are golden brown
  16. about 20 to 25 minutes

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

Servings: 4

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