French Market Recipe 2023 34
Asperges blanches à la sauce de Comte
White asparagus with Comte sauce
Ingredients for 4 guests
• 4 to 6 spears of white asparagus per person
• 250g Comté du Jura grated finely obtainable from the French Market shop
• 30 ml Eau de vie de Kirsch made by Massenez from the French Market shop
• 250 ml Crème fraiche
• 4 eggs (2 whole and 2 yolks)
• A couple of thick slices of sour dough baguette per person
• Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Trim the hard ends and peel the sides of the asparagus if necessary
2. Boil the asparagus in salted water for about 15 minutes if young, 20 minutes if stalks quite hard
3. Bring a saucepan of water to boil and reduce heat to gently simmering.
4. Place crème fraiche, eggs, grated cheese, salt and pepper to taste, in a heat proof bowl.
5. Place bowl over the pot of gently simmering water, whisk all the ingredients in the bowl over this gentle heat until the sauce thickens about 5 to 8 minutes.
6. Lightly toast the baguette slices
7. Strain asparagus and place on top of the toasted baguette
8. Stir the kirsch into the sauce
9. Ladle the sauce over the top of the asparagus.
10. Grind some black pepper lightly over top of sauce and serve straight away while hot
I suggest pairing this tasty dish with a glass of de la Doucette Pouilly Fume from the Loire valley.
Bon Appétit